Distad's Amoco

Generally a good job, but I was not impressed as the other respondant on this list. I had to come back because one of the bolts holding a tire on my car was severed off. No one bothered to fix it and I didn't even notice it until I had driven the car home. To give Distad's credit, they did fix it with no complaints when I brought the car back.

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.

My wife and I have been taking our Mazda 626 to Distad's for over 2 year's and they have always done a great job, explained things clearly, and treated us fairly. They are polite too, which is rare in this city. On three occasions we've had engine trouble far from Distad's and taken the car to nearby shops for estimates. Each time we've ended up taking the car to Distad's after receiving a high estimate and each time the repair has been less expensive at Distad's (including the storage and towing fees we had to pay to get it there). On another occasion the fluid in one of our front drive shafts leaked out and the shaft was damaged. We took it to Distad's and, with our approval, they attempted to save us both labor and parts costs by being conservative on how much to replace. We got the car back and it didn't sound right. We pointed it out to them and they took the thing apart again and replaced more of the parts without charging for any of the additional labor.

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 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.

Honest, reliable.

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 a '93 Jeep Cherokee, and it was stalling while I was driving, even at 50+ mph on the highway! I took it Rosenthal Jeep twice, and they couldn't figure out what the problem was. A friend recommended Distad's, so I called them and explained my problem to John, who said it was likely the crank sensor because old jeeps always had a problem with those. You would have thought the jeep mechanics would know that!?! I took my car in the next morning, they confirmed it was the sensor, and I was out the door that evening for just a bit over $100. I've since taken my jeep there for other repairs and maintenance, and I've yet to be let down. They always call to explain what the problem is, give me the repair options and prices, and then do what I decide as quickly as possible. The location and hours are convenient -- one block from Eastern Market metro and they're in the shop from 7-7 with 24 pick-up and drop off -- and the service is speedy and fairly inexpensive. They are also happy to give a referral for any other repairs you may need (glass, body, etc.). I highly recommend them...and so does everyone else I know on the Hill.

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.