Murray’s Auto Clinic

This was the moment I knew Murray’s was the place for me: the dealership suggested about three different repairs that would cost us $ 750. I hoped that Murray’s could do them for a cheaper amount. In fact, they checked the car and found that the repairs weren’t even necessary. I mean, they could have easily told me, «Oh we can do that for $ 650,» but instead, they just saved me money. Nice.
It’s hard to know who you can trust in DC — especially when it comes to car repair — but they’ve proven themselves to be honest. And even if the white-​haired guy at the front isn’t exactly the warmest person in the world, at least he’s a straight shooter.

Great experience here. Dropped my car off numerous times, and they said they couldn’t guarantee to get it done, only to call back an hour or two later to say it’s done. A lot of mechanics will try to pressure you into fixing things that are unnecessary, but I’ve never felt that from this place.
Great service, and the drop off service is a nice touch. Highly recommend.

Why haven’t I written to you about Murray’s Auto Clinic before? Maybe because I tell you about these fantastic places, and you all go, and crowd the joint. There’s not too much extra parking at Murray’s; I do not want it to be discovered.
I’ve been taking my aged Toyota Avalon to them for the past year or so, after losing faith in the dealer’s service department. I suspect they didn’t really want to keep polishing up the old girl When, last weekend, she just quit me as we were soaring down Route 95 in the far left lane, I real quick hit the flashers and rear-​mirrored my way to the right-​hand shoulder. I called AAA and waited, remembering that, yes, this had happend before. She had had the vapors in a similar setting years earlier, when we both were younger, and there’d been a big magilla with the dealer, expensive and time intensive.
When I got it to Murray’s they asked gently about her age again, and her advanced mileage. Then they wheeled her into the back. The crew looked inside and took some things apart, finding metal shavings and bolts in unexpected places. They found silicone stickum holding together nether parts.
In a few hours, for half what the dealer charged, they fixed her. I cannot say enough good stuff about these guys.

I usually go to my parents’ mechanic two hours away because he’s a family friend and does work at cost. However, when I need emergency repairs done in the area, I go to Murray’s. One of the things I hate about using some mechanics is that I feel fleeced after I pay the bill. However, the prices at Murray’s are absolutely fair (I’ve comparison shopped) and the quality of the work is fantastic. Moreover, the techs do not recommend unnecessary work under the guise of making a quick buck.

I’d first caveat this review by saying Murray’s may be great if you actually have them perform work on your vehicle. That said, this review is for having a problem diagnosed and the rip-​off cost.
I went in when my speedometer started malfunctioning. I expected it could be just a malfunctioning speed sensor but was also experiencing what seemed like some performance issues so figured I should get it checked out.
I was warned when I dropped it off that I would need to authorize «up to» $ 98 in diagnostic fees, which I begrudgingly agreed to for lack of better option and need to get to work. Turns out to be just the speed sensor, which I decline to have replaced. So of course when I go to pick it up, it’s the full $ 98 (not «up to», no explanation of what that entails or under what diagnostic circumstances it might possibly be something less than $ 98). To add insult to injury they throw $ 10 on top of that for «supplies». What could that possibly be, considering all you did was diagnostics? Shop rags. So they must have used about 20 shop rags.
Bottom line, if you just need a problem diagnosed go somewhere else unless you don’t mind getting hosed.
Update: Within 15 minutes of posting, an irate manager called me (at work) to express displeasure with this review.

Staff was courteous and prompt but the prices were down right insane. $ 108 diagnostic fee alone, then between spark plugs, an air filter (which I had changed less than 3 weeks prior) and a fuel filter, it was going to total to $ 750.
Are you freaking kidding me.
After paying the diagnostic fee I contacted to a friend and explained. He told me to buy the spark plugs ($ 20) and he changed all 4 in 10 minutes. Pretty sad that for the spark plug service alone murrays was going to charge me $ 250. Check engine turned off soon after my friend changed the plugs.
Thanks for your diagnosis but your sky high prices makes me think you’re trying hard to screw me here.

This happened at about noon this very same day of my posting.
I’ll make this short. I called to simply get a quote on changing my brake pads. He gave me a quote for labor, brakes, and the complete changing of my rotors ($ 400– $ 500). So I asked him for only the cost of the pads and labor and I questioned, «I don’t have to completely change the rotors every time the brakes are changed, right?» He then raises his voice at me, very unprofessionally and irate! (trying to make it seem as if he’s right) So I had to ask if he understood what was asking him, he replies, «yes I understand» then slams the phone down hanging it up”.
If this is the type of business you like to deal with, go right ahead. I will be going elsewhere!
THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF IF YOU LET THEM!

Murray’s auto clinic just fixed my AC and it now works like charm. They ended up changing a part instead of the entire compressor as the dealer had recommended. This means more than $ 1,000 saved. It’s really refreshing to see folks who are so honest and professional. I very highly recommend Murray’s. I would not go anywhere else.

Good in a pinch… but if you’re looking for that human touch, go somewhere else. Bedside manner sorely lacking. A certain person there is a real **s. I needed help and concluded that they really don’t want my business… so I’m taking it somewhere else. See previous reviews mentioning empathy…
«you’re as cold as ice… you’re willing to sacrifice…» MY BUSINESS. (singin’)

2000 Ford Explorer
Diagnostic fee-​$ 100-​fuel pump needs to be replaced
Fuel pump replacement -$ 1100 quote provided over phone– Google fuel pump replacement and you will see prices from $ 400 – 600

My dad worked at a car dealership for 25 years so before moving up to DC, I never had to worry about finding a good mechanic. So when my oil light came on and I couldn’t fix it by googling the problem or going to Advance Auto, I had a problem and went to Unilocal to find a good local auto shop.
I called Murray’s on a Monday to get my car fixed and they were able to set me up for an appointment that same Wednesday. Their hours are 7 AM to 6 PM so I was able to drop my car off, go to work, then come get it after I was finished which was super convenient. They also have a shuttle service but I didn’t use it so I’d encourage you to call them to ask about it.
When I made my appointment they gave me an estimate of what an oil pressure check would cost. I’d encourage everybody to have an idea about what you need done before calling. Even if you don’t know anything about cars, you can google your make/​model and the issue you’re having then you can have some idea about what’s going on. When I dropped it off, they gave me an accurate estimate about when I’d hear something and they called me right at that time. When he called back, Alex said that they did not even need to do an oil pressure check because when they looked at the car they could see that there was a leak and he gave me an estimate of what it would cost to fix it. I really appreciated that they didn’t do the pressure check anyway then charge me for that too. He told me some other things that he suggested fixing but didn’t put any pressure on me to do them and he gave me time to call my dad to ask what he thought. The estimate he gave was accurate and they finished my car by 4 PM the same day.
I liked Murray’s because they were fair, honest, and didn’t put pressure on me to fix things I didn’t need right then and there. They even gave me an estimate of how much those extra things would cost. They were timely and friendly too. I’ll definitely be back if anything else goes wrong!

Thank you Murray’s Auto Clinic for helping me out today! I was in a serious bind with a flat tire and they were able to help me fix it on minute’s notice and at a reasonable price. After a long drive from Baltimore to Silver Spring, my patched tire went flat & I needed help asap. A couple of phone calls and Murray’s allowed me to drop my keys off during my lunch break, and they checked out my car & repaired it while I was at work. The staff was very helpful & considerate. This event goes down as the most positive auto shop experience ever. Top notch service. I am grateful

New Customer Overpaid! Asked for the price on the 30,000 mile service on my car and was happy it was so much cheaper than the dealer. Of course later, I learned this consisted of an oil change, tire rotation, filter changes — for $ 300. Still too much money for these items. I checked around with a few more shops (sadly after paying) and learned this was $ 100 to $ 150 over-​priced. Can’t recommend this shop.

We have used Murray’s Auto Clinic since the late 1980’s since we lived in Silver Spring. We still go there, even though we’ve moved to Chevy Chase, because they are honest, reasonably priced, reliable, and very pleasant to work with. They always work patiently to solve a problem. This most recent visit took the cake: they figured out how a squirrel was getting into my car (which the dealer didn’t bother to take the time to figure out), and worked «outside the box» to repair the problem and prevent any further incursions! I heartily recommend them!

There are 3 people you need to know in life. a good doctor, a good contractor and a good mechanic. I’m glad I got 1 out of 3.
I’ve been going to Murray’s since about 2007 and I have always been pleased. They are politie, curteous, and just do a dang good job at a fair price. Standard Oil change, about $ 35. Not cheap, but fair and much better than you’ll get at quicki-​whoknows. They remember my car and don’t try to cheat me. If they see a problem they call it out. if not, they send me on my merry way and i don’t owe them a thing. I currentl live now in Gaithersburg, but I like Murray’s so much, I will make the trip down just to get serviced there.

First visit 5 stars. Will be bringing other cars here when needed. Honest fast service

Very honest shop with reasonable prices! I brought my old car in for a second opinion after being told I needed new tie rods, and they told me that wasn’t true. They also kept my car overnight to check a tire leak they plugged.
On my second visit for brake and muffler work, they gave me a very fair price quote and took the time to check everything over. Excellent customer service!

I have been a customer here 19 years. My Toyota highlander, now 12 years old, couldn’t run better. I always feel that the staff will only do what is necessary for the life of the car and not over charge me., I love that all of my annual records are in their system and they knomy car for all of the necessary maintenance. The gentleman are all courteous and polite to explain things to me. I would recommend them to my best friend and my mom!

As a woman who doesn’t know much about mechanics, there’s nothing worse than that feeling that you maybe/​probably are getting fleeced by some shady repairperson, but you’re just not quite sure…
So the number one reason I like Murray’s is because I trust them. They’re always straightforward, transparent about problems, solutions, and costs, and professional in their interactions with me, with my family, and with other customers I’ve seen.
Their prices are fair and they do good work.
I also appreciate their flexibility — they’ll make an effort to accommodate your needs/​schedule, if they can.
Lastly, Edmund’s says the sign of a solid mechanic is a clean and well-​organized shop. Murray’s is ALWAYS both those things, which is pretty rare and a final selling point for me.

I was referred to Murray’s from Radial Tire Company. They said this is where the staff have their cars worked on. Called the the store, actually spoke to the owner, Murray, and explained that when AAA changed my tire, they wound up breaking 2 rods on the wheel. I came to the store; someone opened the door for me; spoke to Murray. They gave a courtesy ride to the Metro. A little while later I call telling me that it needed another rod, My heart sank, wondering how much more it was going to cost me. They only charged me for the part. They picked me up & brought me to the shop the next day. It was cheaper than I expected. And asked if my front end was shaking. Yes, I knew it needs some axle work, but they didn’t pressure me. These guys remind me of my auto clinic in Sterling, VA: honest & excellent Customer service.
And yes I’ll be back in a couple of weeks for them to work on my front axle. Just couldn’t afford to do it in the moment because I’m in the middle of Physical Therapy for my shoulder