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B & L Alternator & Automotive Includes Oil Change Service, Cooling system pressure test, Test for correct thermostat operation, Coolant integrity test; Install new wipers as required, parts extra, Test/Adjust headlight alignment, Full vehicle preventative maintenance inspection. Includes oil filter and 5 quarts of standard. Liz and Tyree were amazing with working on my car! I was in and out for an oil change super fast. Liz provided excellent customer service and made me feel really comfortable leaving my car in their hands! I would recommend B&L automotive for anyone in the NN area!
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The story of B&L begins in 1953 as the Mercury Armature Company, where we sold and delivered armatures all the way from Newport News down to North Carolina. This delivery process quickly grew into fixing generators, tractors, cars, and trucks and then onto supplying local auto parts stores with generators, armatures, and starters.
I love it here, the folks are all super friendly and super frank about what needs to be done & the cheapest way to do it. This is my second review of B&L Automotive. They are a consistent, efficient and friendly company. Liz (the Chief Adminstrator) continues to be the company's secret weapon. She has exceptional "people skills."
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Job Security - We are the leading independent repair shop in Newport News with 10 bays, in business since 1953, and just awarded the #1 Certified Auto Repair Shop on the East Coast by O'Reillys for 2015. We are a technology advanced, paperless shop, and have some of the best processes in the business. All the tools! Work with the latest technology, including the Hunter alignment system, the best scan tools, and ipads for each technician.
Reviews (39)
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Oscar Hall
Jun 23, 2022
Just wanted to thank Liz and the mechanic for diagnosing my transmission. Easy to talk to staff and very helpful. The shop and front desk/waiting area is very clean and customer friendly. Will not hesitate to use again in the future. Services: Auto maintenance, Transmission
Fitzwillies D.
Jun 01, 2022
March of 2021 I took my truck in for an inspection and was told it would not pass due to a worn tie rod. The rod was about $80 plus the labor to replace. I never received an estimate to sign, kept being told it was being revised. Told them to go ahead and check my radiator for leaks as well. When my truck was done I was charged $431.65 of which $214.26 was for the small tie rod.

I reluctantly paid and no one could tell me where the radiator leak was. I tow a 5th wheel and we took off for 2 week. When I got back I was driving the truck on the highway, hit a bump and the truck started shaking so bad I almost lost control. Good thing the 5th wheel was not attached. I took the truck to another shop and was told the whole front end was now loose and needed to be replaced and the tie rod that was replace was loose and never tightened in place.

They sent me a video of the loose tie rod. It cost $1800 to have everything replaced. I contacted B&L, sent them the video and they ignored me. I notified the BBB and sent them the video and information but B&L refused to reply to the Better Business Bureau. I now avoid B&L like a plague.
Nayasia Pope
May 12, 2022
B and L automotive had me in and out paying a decent price to get my blend door fixed for my hvac unit. Bryan and the receptionist(sorry I forgot her name) were really informative and had great customer service. The waiting area is clean and comfortable. They attack your automobile's issue and have you going on your way and if you need a ride home while your vehicle is being serviced, they will provide it for you. I highly recommend this business to anyone in the Newport News and Hampton area.
Nighasia Joshua-Bond
Mar 23, 2022
10/10 experience! I was originally assisted by "Liz" who helped me get the repairs I needed, after a HORRIBLE experience with my previous shop. Liz & Bryan have AMAZING customer service. They are thorough & efficient. Throughout my experience, I felt like a priority & they show exceptional concern for ALL their customers. Service: General repairs & maintenance
Shelly
Mar 11, 2022
I brought my Tahoe here after so many fail attempts taking it to 2 high end dealerships and being duped around all they would do was put die in the system and wouldn't really diagnose what the issue was but when I took it to B&L Automotive they took their time looked over my vehicle with a fine tooth comb to see what the issue was as to why my AC was blowing warm air they were very prompt to call me to let me know as soon as they found the issue which was a leaking AC evaporator core. Staff is super nice and Liz the manager is super bubbly and friendly such a sweetheart. I definitely will be returning
Bullwinkle
Mar 10, 2022
I have been a customer of B&L Auto for sometime. It had been a while since I had been there and needed some brake work done at a place close to my house. They were most helpful and completed the work in the time frame they had indicated even after adding a break system flush and refill. The work was done well and my brakes are working well. The staff is friendly and I was kept informed throught out the time they were working on the care on how far along they were on it and if there were any changes. A great place to get your car worked on and I will go back again.
Melisa Puentes
Feb 19, 2022
I came here needing my brakes replaced and got excellent service. They answered all of my questions and went step by step what was wrong with our car. Liz is amazing! She took care of us and got us squared away. She's really the best and went above and beyond! Will forever have our recommendation to anyone we know : Service: Brakes
Nicolas Hillmann
Feb 15, 2022
Really not a typical repair shop. They take care of your car, follow up with you regarding changes, and are very honest about what they'll be doing and the status of the repair. I didn't, at any point, think I was getting scammed or swindled into more than I asked for. Great staff, so far good mechanic repair quality and a nice 3 year warranty wherever you are. Highly recommend.
Jennifer Kresge
Feb 10, 2022
We have a Cadillac DTS that has been in other shops numerous times so we were looking for another shop to give it a full diagnostic before we decided to keep it or sell. It was extremely refreshing to speak to such a nice person when I first called (Liz definitely has what it takes for customer service!). When we brought the car in to drop it off, Brian made us feel at ease with his knowledge of this make / model.

They provided us not only a detailed list of items needing maintenance, but also what could or couldn't wait to be done. I value the priority list so we can make the decision on the cost at the time. We will definitely be coming back for any future auto maintenance and HIGHLY Recommend them to anyone looking for a good, honest place to take their vehicles!
Thomas McVey
Jan 21, 2022
B&L did an excellent job of getting me scheduled for replacing the radiator in my Toyota Highlander. They were extremely efficient and provided continuous communication. As this vehicle is primarily for my college aged daughter, they were very accommodating of our schedule. Truly appreciate their professionalism and expertise. Job well done!
Dave Porter
Dec 31, 2021
I needed my car towed because of a braking issue, they were very fast and completely professional. Liz was just the best at coordinating all of this! They looked at my car and determined it was a simple issue, and best of all they didn't bleed my wallet dry. They made a life long customer. Services: Brakes, General repairs & maintenance, Check engine light diagnostic
David Wiech
Dec 28, 2021
I have to say I have done most of my auto work my whole life but times I have used garages this shop was awesome fast great service and very professional also the people at the desk were very professional and kind I would recommend them to any one it is hard to find good conscientious garages you can trust today. 10% military discount and 15% Costco discount also makes it even a better experience. Use them you will appreciate it.
Jo Cerosky
Dec 13, 2021
I was impressed with Liz the Service Advisor at B&L Automotive. She went out of her way to explain everything that needed to be done on my car. She was very thorough and really cared about the customer. I find it much easier to speak with a woman about my car. Liz is an asset and I will go back for the excellent customer service. Service: Brakes
B. N. Diagram
Nov 22, 2021
I was called promptly the morning after submitting a request for an appointment to have my front and rear brakes replaced. The work from what I can tell was done well, and also in a pretty good timeframe, about 3 hours from drop-off I was notified of the completion. The man I spoke with then told me my price was double what I was quoted verbally from two other employees, one of who was said to be of a managerial position.

Of course I was a little rattled, so I told him about this, he very politely said he would get in touch with his managers for direction, which was issue to me, I wanted a resolution too. When he called me back, he told me that the manager said the price was clearly laid out, basically calling me a liar, and I wouldn't be able to pick up the vehicle until I paid the price that was double what was quoted me, which was supposed to be emailed to me after the initial conversation and never was.

Given my personal situation I didn't have a choice but pay to pick up my vehicle. The man who I spoke with last, who I believe was the mechanic, was extremely professional, respectful, understanding and the only reason I didn't bother to fight this harder. The actions of the managerial staff, not following through with their promises and hiding information to land the work forcing me to pay double, is why I will never recommend anybody to this business, nor will I be returning for any type of maintenance whatsoever. If you like being blindsided then feel free to bring your vehicle here.
Christopher Hennessey
Nov 18, 2021
We used the online appointment scheduler and included details of the work we needed and asked for a quote. We received an email and text confirmation for our request and a follow up phone call to go over our request and a quote for the work. We dropped the car off and received an email and text message identifying additional items they found during the free vehicle inspection, a very helpful feature since we didn't know about some of the other issues they found.

They did the work we asked for and had the car back to us within about 3 hours. Excellent communication, great service, very friendly and they offer a discount for 1st responders and military.
Deborah
Nov 15, 2021
B&L was ready for me at my exact appointment time, and they worked on my car quickly while I was on my lunch break. They were able to patch my tire, saving me from having to purchase a new one since the tread was still good. I was very impressed. Service: General repairs & maintenance
Bryant Wilder
Sep 20, 2021
Liz at the sales counter was beyond wonderful. she was patient. attentive and most helpful. She took the time to find the best part for my vehicle and at the best price! They got me in for same day service and my vehicle was ready at the time they said it would be. They also give a great warranty on their work. this will definitely be my new auto shop to use for my vehicles.
Amanda S.
Sep 13, 2021
If I could give 0 stars I would. I brought my husband and my vehicle in to B&L auto the first week of May because he was coming home from deployment and I was 7 months pregnant. Our cars (2015 & 2016 models) needed their routine maintenance along with maintenance for 70-80k miles. The gal on the phone was super accommodating and helped me take things off the maintenance list that could be done at a later time. $1400 later we felt like we'd gotten our stuff done by a trusted professional and we'd be back. 400 miles later my husbands batteries in his vehicle went bad randomly.

Like broke down on the side of the road bad. Multipoint inspection didn't pick up on an issue with the batteries? Or they didn't connect things correctly and messed up the batteries? We called B&L and they stated "we don't deal with hybrid batteries period so any issue with your batteries doesn't have to do with the maintenance we performed." $800 later and it wasn't his hybrid battery it was his normal batteries conveniently past his warranty.

Fast forward to the last two weeks and my oil light comes on. Mind you, I have not put that many miles on my car since the maintenance was done and this light has NEVER come on before. My husband checked the oil. BONE dry! Not once did I say when negotiating maintenance that I didn't want my oil changed and it's my fault when I paid that I didn't notice it wasn't done.

They supposedly did a multi point inspection and didn't notice my low/dirty oil, didn't check it, or emptied it and didn't replace it. However, when we called to investigate the situation the gal who'd previously been accommodating was now belligerent, argumentative, and hung up on my husband. Okay whatever we'll get an oil change, hope to god my car doesn't break down due to not having one done in a long time, November 2020 to be exact (which they said they have no record doing and I have a bank statement saying otherwise). Now, my husbands car has been acting funny.took it to Subaru today and the throttle body cleaning we paid for back in May wasn't done or wasn't done correctly.

So essentially we've had to pay for our maintenance twice at this point. 100% will not return to B&L auto and will caution anyone and everyone from seeking maintenance here.
Danielle DeAngelis
Sep 13, 2021
To say that B&L is nice and honest is an understatement. I felt like Liz was my best friend after talking to her one time. She did everything to make sure my car was taken care of and I was comfortable with everything that was being done. I literally hate taking my car anywhere because you have no idea how much everything is going to cost or if you're getting an honest opinion.

Everyone here is just amazing. You feel like you're are getting the best service and they are really looking out for you. Please if you need anything done on your car take it here I promise you won't regret it.
Miranda Griffey
Aug 25, 2021
Highly recommend this quality service. Absolutely you can find cheaper rates for services performed. But, you will not get same peace of mind. This company not only did the repairs in the time and amount stated, they went above and beyond. They inspected every aspect of the vehicle, to include front back and side photographs. A detailed report of the vehicle was sent to me via email.

As they found no issue with the vehicle, other than my initial need. I will testify to the honesty of this company and have no reserve in recommending them to the highest degree. From initial service call to vehicle pickup top notch all the way around.
Michael B.
Mar 18, 2021
Wow -- what a horrible, cheating, scamming business. I truly wish that I could rate it 0 stars. Let me begin. I initially took my 94' Jeep Cherokee to B&L Auto on May 9. As luck would have it, Liz, the manager, said they were working on a Jeep Cherokeewith the same issue. Six days later when I picked up my Jeep, I paid roughly $1,000. The Jeep had the exact same issues and broke down within a few miles.

I had the Jeep towed back to B&L Automotive, as they told me all the work was under warranty. They did another diagnostic and stated that the crank shaft sensor they replaced was a bad part and they would replace with an original Jeep part. Three and a half weeks go by and on June 10, I picked up my Jeep and paid $265, only to break down on the way home.

My truck went back to B&L Automotive again 3 more times. Finally, after the fifth time, on June 24 I told the manager, Liz, that I wanted a full refund. She attempted to convince me to bring it back one more time. By the end of the call, she stated that she agreed I deserved a refund, though they don't usually give refunds, she just needed to speak to the owner, who was in Florida. Days went by before I called to follow up. Liz stated the owner approved the refund -- it would be processed over the weekend and should be in my account on Monday, June 29.

After 11 days, I spoke with Liz again. Liz told me that refund was processed on July 2. She also confirmed that the refund amount was "$1286 and some change." She told me to contact my bank to find out why the was a hold on the refund. My Jeep is still not fixed. 8 weeks later, and I'm out of money and don't have a work vehicle. This has been a nightmare.

After a 4-month dispute process, B&L of course claimed that they did not owe me any money back. It's been 9 months since they damaged my vehicle and made it inoperable and not a single cent back.
Pat M.
Mar 12, 2021
Went here about two years ago because a a window motor burnt out in the vehicle I just purchased. They replaced the window motor but also said there was many other additional repairs that needed to be made. Ended up costing around $1,100 which I expected with a car that I only paid 5 grand for. Went in a few months later for an oil change and they said my car needed immediate repairs that would cost over $2,500!

They told me it would even be unsafe to drive my car home. I told them to kick rocks and got a second opinion from a mechanic who told me absolutely nothing was wrong with the vehicle. Since then I've put 30,000 miles on the car with no problems. B & L automotive is very untruthful in my experience and I would never recommend
Jonathan D. D.
Dec 10, 2020
Take your hard earned money elsewhere. you will get ripped off here! First off, I am mechanically inclined. I bring my vehicle early in on a Saturday morning. Upon entering the business and describing my vehicle issue I was interrupted halfway through description by the front desk associate attempting to draw a conclusion to my vehicle issue that had nothing to do with actual issue, that should've been a red flag but it was a Saturday and shops were closing. so I was a bit desperate.

After waiting nearly 5 hrs I was told the technician would take it in for a diagnostic check in 30-45 mins. over an hour later my vehicle was moved in the bay for the "diagnostic" check. Nearly 1 hour later I was provided with the estimate, 38 minutes before close of business. The estimate was absurdly expensive. The type of repair would've taken about 1 1/2 labor hours at most.

I was charged for 3 1/2 hours of labor and 1 hour for a "diagnostic" check. another $139. Their hourly labor price is $139! The part they picked from their vendor was absurdly expensive, OEM part for the issue on average with a warranty was half the price via multiple online vendors additional parts required were less then half the price on average online as well.

My vehicle was finally repaired on Monday. for a grand total cost of $785! To add the front desk associate seemed very passive aggressive, speaking with her was a challenge to my intellect and patience. To make matters worse after a few days of driving my vehicle is now having an electrical issue.
Chelsi U.
Jun 27, 2020
Liz and Matt were great! Very personable and professional. I had a maintenence light on my car so they took it and figured it out. I also got an oil change. Matt was a great mechanic! I really liked the people here and the services. They work with you money-wise and are military friendly. 5 stars!
J. C.
Jun 23, 2020
Repeat customer. was pleased with the service last year. However, not a happy camper this time. Visited the shop on a Monday to schedule a 1200 appointment the next day for state inspection renewal. Appointment was confirmed 2-3 times via text message and email. Arrived 10 minutes early and spent over an hour in their waiting room. The car never moved. IMO- management is lacking and front office workflow must be improved. I ended up going to Napa, 3 miles down the road. zero wait time and out in 28 minutes!
David P.
May 20, 2020
I called Monday to schedule an appointment for an oil change; the man I spoke with told me 3:30 pm Wednesday. I arrived about 10 minutes early, when the woman working behind the counter told me she saw in the computer someone had begun to put my information into the system, but had not finished. Regardless, there were no other customers waiting and was told I would be out of there in 20-30 minutes, since it was just an oil change; I even agreed to her up-sale. An hour went by without the vehicle moving from the parking space I left it in, when the woman came to the waiting room to ask me if they had moved my vehicle yet. Later, she came back again to tell me she would give me a discount. An hour and a half after I arrived, my vehicle was finished. Another employee took my payment, while the original woman remained on a phone call, and I did not receive a discount.
Mitch M.
Mar 30, 2020
I took my grandson's car to B & L in November last year. They told us it needed a new motor. My grandson paid for the motor but when we went to pick it up the car it had no power and wouldn't hardly drive. We took it back. They told us it needed other parts so we got those and it still isn't finished. They have had multiple mechanics work on it who are not with them now.

They told me one of the mechanics messed the car up and it was going to be fixed without further cost to me. Now since it is not a paid job the car is on the back burner. It's not being worked on. When I call Liz puts me on hold and sometimes doesn't even come back or she tells me she'll call back with an update and that never happens.

I don't know if my grandson will ever get his car back running or not. It ran when we took it there but now 4 months later it's not done. My advise is if you have a big job that needs done find someone else to do it.
Autumn M.
Jan 31, 2020
I cannot recommend them enough! They're onee of those businesses will not only work with you but help you out as much as they can. I have been to several different places and they always seem to always take advantage of women. Not only do they work with me but never made anyone feel they're being taken advantage of. They're a veteran own business and they do offer veteran/military discounts.

They do give discounts for recommendations as well so the more recommendations the more money you can save. It not only helps them get business but helps their customers save money as well. I absolutely love their receptionist Liz she's on her stuff and she definitely lets you know if they can help you that day or when to schedule an appointment so they can help you further if needed. Please let them know if you want that I recommended and then your friends can help you get discounts too.
Rubyn K.
Sep 19, 2019
My car was recently broken into on their lot and was the only car targeted; I'm told the cameras didn't see anything but I have no reason to believe they actually checked. Took 2-3 weeks just for them diagnose my car just to tell me the service it needed wasn't provided there. They did put me in touch with a shop that does provide it though.

They never call like they say they will to keep you updated, if they say they will call you; you're better off just calling in yourself. Otherwise you'll probably never get a call from them.
Chris R.
Jul 22, 2019
The were helpful and respectful and got the job done. I am new to the area and they helped me with my automotive needs. This is a very popular place and always seems to be booked, m, but they always try and help as quickly as possible. If they didn't have a lot of appointments/work, I would be worried. I will come back.
Wilhelmina W.
Feb 08, 2019
You know. I would have given less stars if I actually could. Just got back home from B&L for an inspection for my car, which takes oh, about 10-15 minutes. That is plenty of time to get it done. She stated she doesn't take anything after 4pm, yet they are open until 5:30pm. Doesn't make sense to me-- and another thing? Something about there is more that goes into older vehicle inspections versus new vehicle inspections?

I spent more time standing at the counter after a long day of work and watched her take phone call after phone call instead of actually asking us if we needed anything. Horrible, to be honest. I mean I guess one star is good enough, because she was nice. I am not sure if this was just her way of covering up her horrible customer service with a fake smile, I am not really sure, but it kinda sucks because they are literally two minutes from my house. I think I'll take my business elsewhere and forewarn people about their shoddy business practices. No thank you, B&L, this was a solid waste of my time.
David F.
Jan 17, 2019
My car quit moving. I figured it was transmission but wasn't sure. They said they would run a diagnostic to find out exactly the problem. They came back saying, I indeed need a new transmission (rebuilt) and it was going to be $4800. I picked my car up and took it for a second opinion and that place said all I needed was a new torque converter and the cost is $920!

When I called B & L back to find out why they said transmission when all it was, was the torque converter. The said it was there "professional opinion". One or two hundred more is a professional opinion. $4000 more is trying to rob someone. I have serious doubt that they even did there "diagnostic" on the car. They just charged me $140 and did nothing but tell me I needed a new transmission. I explained all this to them to see if they would even try to make things right. They did nothing!
Tom S.
Oct 10, 2018
Nice people, but deceptive. Took car in for inspection and I was in a pinch with work time-wise. They knew I was in a pinch and kept my car a long time. Additionally, they failed the car for a battery that was "bad" they said and wasn't "secured." $300 for a simple $80 battery, installation charge, and inspection. Total highway robbery! Avoid this place!
Kevin E.
Mar 16, 2018
This is my favorite place to have all my families cars repaired. Every visit we get the best treatment, and their customer service has always been awesome. I wouldn't trust anyone else when it comes to this family business and the years of service they have provided to our entire family. We are pro America and Pro small business! I'll also add that I send my friends to them as well, and each one shares the same similar response as my family does. Just a great place to go.
Joseph S.
Mar 16, 2018
Way back in the day before they relocated to their current location, I had my 6 year old Toyota truck inspected there. I just installed new front brake pads for inspection. When you install pads you have to press the caliper piston in to clear the thicker new pads. This process forces the brake fluid back up the line and into the brake reservoir. The a part of master cylinder which a brake fluid extra supply is held.

As a result, the fluid level was about a 1/4 above the max line on the reservoir. That line is there so the plunger in the cap has room to spare. It doesn't hurt anything as it's just extra, extra fluid as needed. The inspector failed me because I had too much extra fluid. That was the only time in 32 years of yearly State inspections my truck failed. It just passed it's 2017 inspection with no issues with 460,000 miles on it. This place is a rip-off! STAY AWAY!
Jeffrey S.
Apr 22, 2017
Took my car in and got 2 new filters, a oil change and 4 new tires. Total $670. That is a lot of money for that kind of work. We also received a military discount and tire discount. So why is the bill still high. This place charges a ridiculous amount of money. We also had to pay for the warranty of the tire just to receive the tire discount. Really!

Every other place I have been to gives you a automatic tire warranty free of charge. My other car was taken to Sam's Club a few months ago and for $450 I got 4 new Name Brand tires, free 60,000 mile warranty on the tires, a oil change, new air filter, windshield wipers and fluid top off which was complimentary since I got a oil change. This place will charge you so much to somewhere else trust me you will save money. Also the employees are unprofessional
Lis B.
Mar 23, 2017
We don't trust anyone else. Pretty sure Dan has poured his heart and soul into this place and it shows!
Barbara R.
Jul 08, 2016
Do NOT take your car here. I repeat - DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR HERE. Worst experience EVER and I don't write reviews. I had to resort to actually finding, ordering, and overnighting the part for my car because the person was "calling around" and it was going to take a couple of days. I am traveling for work and I didn't and don't have "a couple of days".

After 1.5 days, no diagnosis, and their reluctance to even tell me what was wrong and then semi-sharing what was wrong with it, I finally got enough information about the needed part. I was fed up with the tap dancing. The first day they had the car I happened to also look into the garage and all the tires were off my car to my BIG surprise as I was not in there for anything to do with my tires!

I asked "what are you doing to my car?!?" "It's a courtesy check that we do." I was angry and said I never authorized a "courtesy check" and I certainly wasn't paying for anything either. It is "free" per the person at the front desk. It was ridiculous! I am so tired of predatory practices in the auto repair industry. Do not go here - they are vague at best about what is wrong with your car.

If I hadn't called multiple times - and I mean multiple each day - they'd still be "looking for the part" or the mechanic would be at lunch or on a break again. And - again - I found, ordered and shipped the needed part to them! And as of this review, I still don't have my car! DO NOT GO HERE!
tlions35
Jul 22, 2010
Lets face it, we all live busy lives, and sometimes we go too long without saying thanks to those who we appreciate. I would just like to take a second to say thanks to B&L and Darin the service writer for always taking good care of me. Darin is always professional and explains things so that I can understand the problem or service that I need.

I feel that B&L always has my best interest in hand and strives very hard to make me feel like family. I will continue to visit B&L and refer my friends and family for their auto service. Thanks again for always being a big help in such a stressful marketplace.
Sincerely,
Amy W