Distad's (Washington, DC, )
9th & Pennsylvania Avenue SE , Washington, DC, (state unkown) 20003 (202) 543-0200
Features and Specialties:

Please send us any corrections or additions to the above information. If you have experience with this shop, please add your own review!

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've had this shop do repairs a few times and they've always been honest and friendly. There was once a problem with a brake job they did, and I didn't find out about it until I was in Maine a few weeks later. A bolt came loose and the caliper starting grinding like crazy. However, I wrote them a letter, and they did refund the labor portion of their bill, plus the $25 I had to pay to have the problem repaired in New England. Given the hassle I went through, I felt they should have refunded the entire bill; however, many shops would dodge responsibility altogether. So, since I think they're honest and generally competent, I would use them again.

I have used Distads for my last 4 cars: 1976 Datsun 280ZX 1989 Toyota Camry 1998 Honda Civic 1998 Subaru Outback The cost of repairs was always in line with the current value of the car with the suggestion when it was time to find something more reliable. The difference between a tune up at Distads and the dealers was a matter of hundreds of dollars at the dealer.

I have been a Distad's customer for 23 years. They are trustorthy, reliable, and competent. Many years ago, one of the local news outlets did one of those investigations where they take cars into shops with a planted defect that is cheap to fix and see if the shop does the right thing or rips you off. Distad's came through with flying colors.

I moved to DC about 2 years ago with a Saturn from Seattle WA. When I was changing over my plates to DC I failed inspections (for my breaks and for emissions). I took my Saturn to a local Saturn dealer and the price they quoted me to fix it was way more then I could afford (and more then my car was worth!). My new boss mentioned that he had a great local mechanic in my neighborhood and that I should get a second opinion. These guys were great! Abby and John explained what they were doing, what was wrong with my car and offered me several options to fix my car to help me with my budget constraints. I used them faithfully until I traded in my Saturn for a Subaru outback (a real car). When I thought my clutch on my Subaru was going (because I am paranoid) they called me back and nicely told me I was imagining things. They are extremely honest and I have never felt like they were ever taking advantage of my ignorance regarding all things "cars". Nor have they ever tried to sell me something I didn't need. My boss loves them, I love them and I have already recommended them to another co-worker, who loves them too (surprise, surprise)! As a woman who often felt intimidated at other repair shops, I can't say enough good things about these guys.

I was having major, but intermittent, engine difficulty with my 93 Jeep Cherokee. I took it to the dealer, and they had no idea what was wrong and suggested an expensive diagnostic test. A friend suggested that I try Distads. After explaining my problem on the phone, John was 95% sure what was wrong (a "common" problem with this model), a visit confirmed his assessment, and my car was fixed in 1 day for less than $150 . Since then, I've had other work done there (new shocks, oil change, etc.). They are always courteous, quick, and reasonably priced -- especially for being in the neighborhood, close to metro, and with 24 hour pick-up.

I and my family before me have been taking our assorted cars to Distatds for forty years. My favorite story is when my '64 Valiant (you know the one with the push buton transmission) cut out suddenly in downtown rush hour traffic on my way to school. I couldn't get the car statrted so I called Distads (the only station I knew ) for a tow. The truck showed up and the driver wiggled the battery cable and the car started. It was a very expensive lesson but one that I have used succesfully many times. If something doesn't work open it up, look around and check all the connections. In our incresingly electronic world this becomes more important every day. They recently checked and reset my check engine light twice for no charge (I thought I knew the culprit but I was wrong) When I gave up they correctly diagnosed a bad O2 sensor and had it fixed in less than a day.

I'd just echo the other commentors: they are generally superb, but when they make a mistake they are forthcoming in working out the problem. And I never sense I'm being taken for a ride...

The staff who work at John Distad's station are knowledgeable, always courteous, helpful, friendly, and convenient. The try not to work past 7pm but, the way the shop is set up, I can drive or have towed to them a car 24 hours a day and pick it up 24 hours a day. That's a great deal and this is a great shop.

Always straight up, always reasonable, always timely, always courteous. The best. Can not say enough good things about this shop.

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