RepairPal’s Comprehensive Evaluation
Assessment Summary
Preferred Automotive excels in just about every area that makes a Top Shop. Quality personnel and putting the customer first are only the beginning. Their ASE certified technicians receive ongoing training and have excellent tools and diagnostic equipment available to them. Outstanding customer service rounds out the package. As stated by the owner, "We have always done the right thing and put integrity and honesty first."
Message from the Shop
Preferred Automotive has earned the best reputation for auto repair in the Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Garrett Park, and greater Washington area by caring about the customer first. This may seem obvious, but in this day and age it is less common. We have just been awarded the "Angie's List 2010 and 2011 Super Service Award" for A+ service. Therefore, doing the job correct the first time with integrity, honesty, pricing, and delivering the job on time. We have been fortunate to be recognized for 19 years by Washington Consumers Checkbook, Washingtonian Magazine and Carquest Autoparts (nominated Preferred Automotive as the best shop in America 6 years running) as doing the job right the first time with accuracy, honesty, and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Preferred Automotive is owned by Gary and Mike McKee since it opened October 10th, 1990. Both are avid family men that put the old fashion values of doing the right thing all the time on the top of the list.
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Auto Makes We Service
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Quality Affiliations
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Specialties
| AC/Heating | Alignment | Check Engine Light | Diagnosis |
| Hybrid/Electric | Muffler & Exhaust | Oil Change & Lube | Scheduled Maintenance |
| Service & Repair | Smog/Emissions Testing | Timing Belts | Tire Sales/Repair |
| Transmission Repair | Windshield/Glass |
Amenities
| AAA Member Discount | Car Wash | Child Friendly | Coffee |
| Early Bird Dropoff | Extended/Evening Hours | Heated Waiting Room | Loaner Car |
| Military Discount | Parts/Accessories | Rental Car | Senior Discount |
| Service Guarantee | Shopping Nearby | Shuttle | Store |
| Towing | Warranty Accepted | Wireless Internet |
Customer Reviews (17 reviews)
17 Sort by: Date | Helpful-
Preferred Automotive
We live in both Daytona Beach Florida and in MD. We do the snowbird thing and do a fair amount of highway driving. We were in Florida and having trouble with our brakes acting funny so we went to the dealer for an inspection. We were told the brakes needed replacement. We questioned the person in the service department about why it was not under warranty and he assured us that is was just a normal brake repair. We did not have a good feeling so we decided to wait until we got back to MD the next week and have Preferred take a look. When Preferred took a look at the truck they informed us the brakes pads and rotors were fine and had plenty of time left. The let us know that the brakes felt funny when stopping because the front hubs were bad and the ABS system was coming on when it should not be coming on. From the time we drove from Florida to MD we went over the warranty mileage and were no longer covered by the manufacturer. This blew our minds since we were just at a dealer and would have been covered for no charge. Gary said he would try to see if he could call some friends in the business to help us out. Two days later I was driving out of Ourisman in Upper Marlboro with new front Hubs for no charge. Preferred did not even charge me for the whole process. He told me we how much he appreciated us always coming back and having any work done at Preferred rather than in Florida and it was his pleasure. It is unreal to be taken care of that way. Rarely have I seen such a thing.
Flag ThisLike | 1 person likes this1 -
Preferred Automotive
Gary, Mike and the Team at Preferred are not just the "guys" that work on my car(s), and yes they have watched me grow up through several cars - but they are like family. I have been going to Preferred for over 20 years. They treat both me and my cars with respect and a friendly face each and every time. They are always willing to go that extra step to help me out and that is why I continue to stay with my Preferred family. I know there are other choices that may even be more convenient, but there is definitely something to be said for quality service and professionalism.
Long Time Loyal Customer,
LizaFlag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, February 14, 2013 10:28
Thanks Liza and we feel like your family also at Preferred Automotive.
Gary and Mike -
Preferred Automotive
Trusted and highly recommend. They go over and beyond the call of duty. One thing for sure is you NEVER have to second guess the work done.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, February 14, 2013 10:28
Thanks Don for the nice words,
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
This is a great shop. They had ample opportunity to claim a more expensive part was broken, but they never did. Instead they charged me an honest rate for what was actually broken.
I also appreciated their heavy use of American made parts. Not only do they last longer, but it helps someone in Ohio, Indiana, or Michigan instead of China.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, February 14, 2013 10:29
Use America Parts!!!
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
Beware the unrequested and unnecessary add-ons.
I'm not surprised by the volume of positive reviews here. The guys at Preferred are personable and very friendly. My low rating is based on their habit of "gold plating". Come in for fluid change? They'll push the use of a high pressure induction whozit to "really get the fluids out". With the add ons, a $200 service becomes $2000. I had to go line by line through the estimate with them, challenging each item, before I realized how many extras they added above and beyond what I requested. Example, I didn't ask for or need a pricey air conditioning sanitization with my B-4 service.
Of course they took off everything I didn't want before doing the work, but I wonder what that means for the less observant or less assertive customers out there.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, February 14, 2013 10:30
Not all services are mentioned in the manuel, but I promise every service we offer is also offered at the Dealer.
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
I've been taking my cars to Preferred Automotive for over ten years. Gary and Mike are great. They always take the time to explain something if I didn't understand what they wanted to do to my cars. I'm a very satisfied customer and would highly recommend them.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, February 14, 2013 10:31
Thanks so much,
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
William - Verified Customer
A square deal.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, March 06, 2012 04:42
Thank you William,
Preferred Automotive -
Preferred Automotive
Mathew - Verified Customer
Of all of the service I have had to get done I have never had to bring the car back for the same issue twice. They always fix the problem the first time. They are a little expensive, but not having to get the same thing fixed twice is really worth it to me. That's why I keep going there.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, March 06, 2012 04:53
Mathew,
Thanks for recognizing the quality.
Sincerely,
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
Anne - Verified Customer
They are very professional in the way they handle their business, and I like their work. I feel that my car is in good running condition when it's done and they don't hassle me to get other things done.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, March 06, 2012 06:15
Thanks for your review,
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
Janet - Verified Customer
We've been using them for years. They are wonderful, honest and great. They do good work.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, March 06, 2012 06:16
I hope you have a great day!
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
Verified Customer
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Preferred Automotive
I have had many cars and have used many repair and maintenance facilities. Preferred Automotive is the best I have found, and I won't go anywhere else now. They are fully competent to do any repair, their services are fairly priced, and they will do anything it takes to make you completely satisfied with their work. They all are friendly and a pleasure to deal with. I recommend Preferred to all my friends. You can't go wrong taking your car to them.
Flag ThisLike0Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, March 06, 2012 06:19
Dear Mr. Colburn,
Thank you for being such a great customer.
Sincerely,
Gary, Mike and the Guys -
Preferred Automotive
We've been taking our cars to Preferred for nearly 10 (or more) years.
Gary went above and beyond to provide us with a competitive quote for a 100,000 mi tune up. When the dealership's quote came in at about 60% lower than the quote Gary had given us, we were quickly able to see how the work the dealership proposed was not the best preventative approach to maintenance of our vehicle. We always feel that we're getting a fair deal - not like the dealership. Thanks brothers McKee for the great work!
Flag ThisLike | 2 people like this2Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, December 07, 2011 11:49
Thanks Beth. It can be difficult understanding the relevance of estimates with one being complete and other incomplete. I am glad you took the time to let me sort it out with you.
Merry Christmas,
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
Was brought to Preferred after a breakdown on the highway. They were impressively knowledgeable and helpful. Although busy with their regular clients they put in extra time to get me back on the road. A very very professional outfit.
Flag ThisLike | 1 person likes this1Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, March 06, 2012 06:21
Dear Mr. Paterson,
I am glad we were able to get you back on the road quickly,
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
One word "Outstanding" in all aspects.
Flag ThisLike | 1 person likes this1Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, March 06, 2012 06:21
Your Outstanding as well,
Gary -
Preferred Automotive
I have been a customer of Preferred Automotive since 1992. Gary and Mike are truly like part of my family. They specialize in creating long-term relationships. They have always been fair and I have never felt like I was being over-sold on any services. They are respectful of any financial issues you may be facing when they are providing services. I would never hesitate to recommend them. In times when an "honest mechanic" could be an oxymoron, they have kept it at the heart and soul of their business.
Flag ThisLike | 2 people like this2 -
Preferred Automotive
I have been a client of Preferred Automotive Associates for 18 years. During this time, Gary and Mike have always provided the best service and have truly cared about me as a client. They have always been respectful of my finances and haven't tried to "oversell" me on repairs. They have established and maintained a long term relationship with me that is based on trust and honest communication. Their integrity is unmatched and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Flag ThisLike | 2 people like this2Reply from Preferred Automotive - PREFERRRED AUTOMOTIVE, December 07, 2011 11:49
Thanks Tina,
The Boys
Thanks Margaret we really appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
Gary