Pham's Car Care Center (Arlington, VA) Mechanic(s): Pham
3435 Washington Blvd. , Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 522-7755
Features and Specialties: Specializes in Transmission Work ,Specializes in Air Conditioning work ,Specializes in Brakes & Mufflers

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Survey results:

They are always honest
They are competent
The repair price is always reasonable
They fix the problem the first time
They complete the work in a timely manner
They respond well when they screw something up
They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs
The shop is located in a safe neighborhood
The hours of operation are convenient for customers
They treat male and female customers in the same manner
They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed)

Reviewers Comments:

I am a medical student graduating this year from Med school. 3 years ago I bought a 1989 Honda Crx si with about 70,000 miles. I had looked long and hard for this car, but found, esp initially that I had many problems. I simult did not have much $$$ (and still dont!). Anyhow Pham's garage had been open for just over a year near me at the time. They have fixed numerous items on my vehicle. They also are willing to go out of their way to keep costs down. The whole family works there, Pham's wife and daughter often at the counter and family at multiple bays. Over the past three years I have driven out to virginia from DC to go there. They rebuilt my transmission, find used parts to keep costs down. I wont go into all the repairs for they are numerous (ie got my car to pass DC engine emmissions after initiallty failing for free!). But often I have been given free labor, or freebies thrown in without asking (ie tightening hatch latch in back, rear tail-light replacement). Anyhow I have watched there busisness succeed, and reffered many other friends there. Pham and his family are easy to form a rapport with. Pham's story is interesting. They originally are from vietnam where Pham I think was a mechanic. Coming to America he did not originally speak much english and took a job merely sweeping at a gas station, with a promise to allow him to do some repairs and learn. He quickly did well here and he moved on to a honda dealership where he became certified. after a few years here he opened his own station. I think thats the correct story, you can ask yourself. Anyhow if you go they are always comparable, usually the cheapest around. Their oil change for 14.95 is tough to beat, and they are close to the Virginia square metro stop. I have no ties to them other than appreciation. When you go tell them the future (or as of may 16th) the doctor sent you- psychiatrist to be exact!

i own a 1992 honda civic hatchback and i've been going to pham ever since i owned the car. my car has 146,000 miles on it and it still runs like new thanks to mr. pham. the reason i keep going there is because i have known pham ever since he worked at landmark honda so if you own a honda please dont be scared to visit him even if you just bought your new honda because i can tell you now everything he puts in is factory oem parts. well you are probably now thinking all he works on is honda well you are wrong because he works on all makes i believe he works on all cars (domestic and imports). i highly recommend pham because he is trustworthy and his prices are very reasonable.

I recently went to Pham's for some required maintenance (brake master cylinder and both rear brake cylinders and serpentine belt). The work was done quickly (in a day) for a very reasonable price. They did not try to sell me on any unneeded work. I have a good friend who has 18 years experience as a mechanic. He told me what had to be done and what price to expect. Pham's diagnosis was the same as that of my friend, and their price (parts and labor) were less than my friend's estimate. Pham is honest and does outstanding work. Their customer service is excellent. I will be returning there again any time my car requires repair work or maintenance.

Mr. Pham fixed our cv joint and exhaust system. The first time he fixed the car the cv joint still had a problem. We took it back and he was happy to fix the problem which he wasn't aware of. It turned out the new cv joint had some problems. Everything was done in a very timely manner ( A little more than 24 hours). The atmosphere is nice for a auto shop, with professional clean uniformswith, several family members helping, and the smell of incense in the office. When we had an issue with the repair the first time he immediately took the car back and said he would look at it. He was very friendly, honest and helpful. We can recomend Mr. Pham and his family to anybody who needs a good mechanic.

We got Pham's name from this website when we bought our car more than three years ago. They have done excellent work all the time. This is definitely a family operation and we got to know a couple members of Pham's family especially his daughter Tee who is exceptionally knowledgeable. They never take more than a day to do most work. And they never turn you down. We heartily recommend Pham and his shop! - Steve and Sandra Tamari, July 2001

I own a 1992 honda accord with 175,000 miles on it and it is still running strong thanks to the staff at Pham's car care. They take care of me everytime i come in and are very reasonable priced. I have been a customer of them for 5 years now and am glad i found them when i moved to the arlington area.

I first heard of Pham's on this site and decided to check his crew out (especcially since I didn't want to pay the dealer for overpriced work). I thought i needed new shocks after several trips cross-country, new belts, and a possibel transmission problem. Instead, Pham's guys worked on it and said all I needed was a standard tune up w/ new belts, that the transmission was fine, and that my shocks wouldn't need changing for several more months. His front desk staff (I believe his daughter and wife) are very courteous and know just as much about the craft as the actual mechanics. They also treated my fiance just as intelligently and courtously as they did me. I wish they had longer hours, but I can trade that off for an honest and knowledgeable mechanic like Pham.

I have a 1985 Toyota Corolla and have dealt with Pham's many times and they have always treated me good. Whenever i brought my car in they only recommended the repairs needed and nothing more. My car runs great now thanks to Pham's

Pham has performed state inspections, battery changes, and tune ups on my old Ford. They're polite and professional everytime.

I have never had to wait long for them to finish with my car. They only take cash, which can be a pain, but you can find an ATM nearby. They appear to know what they are doing, but I find that they are not inexpensive and you don't get any extras--only what you pay for. I saved a little money on some work they did for me, but the dealer can beath them on regular maintenace items. Weekend hours are horrible, so be prepared to do business with them on the weekdays.

great work on my vehicle whenever i need it

I came looking for a garage on the Car Talk webiste because I'm fairly new to the DC area and my '98 Escort failed the DC inspection for its rear brakes. I'm female and I drive an old car, so I basically wear a huge target on my head that says 'Please take advantage of me.' But I felt very comfortable at Pham's because they were helpful and friendly. They confirmed that the brakes needed to be replaced and had my car fixed and ready for reinspection the next day. The overall job was pricier than I was expecting, but their quick friendly service was much appreciated and I will probably use them again if (when) the old Escort needs some more TLC.

These guys know what they're doing. I spent five years in 'Nam during the war, and learned that Vietnamese mechanics can overhaul a Rolex wristwatch with a Crescent wrench. Pham's is no exception. They're honest, too. I took my car, a '98 Avalon that I have babied for a decade, in to find a rumble in the rear end, for which other mechanics had not found a cause. Mr. Pham found it, a broken rear strut. "Did you have this strut replaced recently?" "Yes." "It's a defective part. We could fix it but you should take it back to the mechanic who installed it and insist that they make it good." I would have told him to repair it, and paid cheerfully. He earned my trust. The work at Pham's is top quality. He repaired my wife's 10-year-old Neon and she agrees with me. Pham's seems to take particular care with female customers, aware that some garages regard women as easy targets.

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