Wallace Automotive

I’m not big into writing reviews on car shops. Its just a car shop, ya know? You usually run into issues and might have to come back a few times to actually get it fixed. It costs a lot, you wait a lot, sometimes its a little stressful, you feel coerced into paying for extra things that after you wonder «did I really need that?» Customer service is «eh» or rushed and its just how car shops are. Its what I’ve come to expect and so «eh» doesn’t bother me too much. With a recent issue with my A/​C, a friend recommended Wallace Automotive who has been going there for over 10 years. Thought I’d give it a try.
Between a big rear-​ender last year, a few problems with my AC and an oil change or two, in the past two years I have made my way around Richmond with car shops. I have been to 5 of them. Some have been fine, and some — well I can certainly tell you where not to go — but I am so thankful I can now tell you where TO go. I couldn’t help but write a review on Wallace Automotive because I was so impressed with their kindness, respect and quality work. This place is great. And it has raised my expectations regarding car shops.
I have a Honda, so I was impressed with the fact that the owner, and many of the staff had worked at a Honda dealership for years and know Hondas well. The thing that impressed me the most is how kind and respectful the staff are. I’m new to this shop, but they appeared to know their other customers well. The individual at the front desk appears to have been a technician previously and knew exactly what he was talking about. Additionally, when you get the results of your diagnostic, the technician comes out to the front himself and tells you what is wrong with your car and what needs to be done to get it fixed. They were very accommodating, professional and quick. I had called the previous day (I had an appointment with another shop and they were unable to fix my car so I was in a last minute bind) and they were able to get me in during the morning first thing. To my surprise, they had a diagnostic in 45 and had my problem fixed in 45. Oh, and I thought the fees were very reasonable. They didn’t do the typical things places do like try to upsell things or pressure me into buying more services.
I don’t give out 5 stars lightly. But I thought Wallace Automotive deserved that.
The only negatives I’d share is that they are only open till 5:30 and they do not have a «drop off» or «pick-​up» service. So if you are needing a ride, you’ll have to call family/​friends or Über.

Stopped by for a quick tire check and they fixed my tire in less than 20 min. Really nice and professional.

While heading home from Williamsburg to Charlottesville on I64 in the middle of night, our 2009 Honda Accord’s check engine light started flashing. We pulled the vehicle over to the side the road and could immediately tell we had an engine misfire issue, something that is not recommended to drive with. We found a hotel for the night and slowly made our way there. We did some research and found Wallace Automotive at the top of the list as far as Unilocal reviews. We ultimately decided that it should probably go to a Honda dealership.
The next morning we contacted West Broad Honda and pleaded for them to help us figure out what was wrong with the car. They told us they did not have time as they were extremely busy. We contacted Wallace Automotive and was greeted with enthusiasm and desire to help. Without hesitation, we were told to bring the car to them and they would help. Within 15 minutes they had the car in the shop and started diagnosing the problem. They diagnosed for about 45 minutes before telling us that they did not have the computer components necessary to upgrade the ECU on our car. They also said the car was low a quart of oil. They recommended the car go to a Honda dealership to have the ECU software updated. We told them that they previously turned us away and William without hesitation said he would call and try to get us in. Within 5 minutes West Broad Honda was able to take us.
Wallace Automotive employees spent 45 minutes diagnosing the car’s problem as well as added a quart of oil at no charge to us. They were very friendly and pleasant to deal with. This is the opposite of what I typically see in a car repair shop. If I find myself stranded again in Richmond, they will be the first I call. Very highly recommended! Thanks for everything!

Was coming home from North Carolina to Indiana and my car broke down near Richmond. Did not want to spend a lot at the dealership so took it here after reading some reviews. Wow was i impressed. Gentleman by the name of William was very well spoken and knew exactly what he was talking about. Saved me a lot of money after I thought it was something else. I would come here every time if I did not live so far away. Would recommend their services 100%!!!

Wallace Automotive is great. I’ve lived in Richmond for two years. Since I found this place over a year ago I use it regularly. They are trustworthy and straightforward about letting you what repairs need made or are unnecessary. For anyone new to RVA and trying to find your Go To mechanic Wallace Automotive is worth a visit. They also do state inspections.

I don’t know why I just didn’t come here and save myself a whole lot of stress! Excellent customer service! Quality work! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They didn’t try to upsell and/​or pressure me to get anything fixed that wasn’t an immediate need. Definitely will be back!!!

I ended up at Wallace Automotive after a very stressful morning at West Broad Honda, per their recommendation (in my opinion, that’s the only good thing WB Honda has ever done for me). I had some electrical issues caused by another shop, WB Honda wouldn’t see me, and to top it all off, I was scheduled to drive to Louisiana that afternoon. Wallace spent 20 minutes working on my car, drove it around the block to reassure me the problems were fixed, did it for no charge (I think they felt bad, since I came in basically in tears from stress), and had me back on the road in under an hour. If I were going to be sticking around Richmond, I would definitely be a return customer.

Awesome place for your Honda. Quick, efficient and reasonable. I actually look forward to having my car serviced at WALLACE! Steer clear of dealership!!!

I’m so glad we found this place. The people were so nice, prompt and really honest. They fixed my crv so nice and clean that I wonder why ppl go to Honda dealers. Do yourself a favor, if you own a Honda or an Acura and your warranty is done, take your car to Wallace is the best!!! And the price is reasonable.

Clean waiting room, quick service, no obnoxious up-​selling. I will be back!

This place is very professional and helpful! My window got stuck and I couldn’t roll it back up which is obviously a panic situation when rain is in the forecast! They got me right in and got my window rolled back up with in 30 minutes with no charge! It doesn’t get any better than that! The waiting room is very nice and clean and I felt very comfortable in there which is rare when it comes to automotive repair businesses.

I have been taking my cars there for years and years now. I have sent them numerous referrals and will continue to. Chris is always extremely honest with me and so is the staff. Whilst honesty, and integrity are at an all time high for them, they are genuine. I highly recommend Wallace Auto if you want excellent service that doesnt steal your wallet out of your pocket.
–James

This place has 11 filtered reviews and very cleverly they are all 5 stars reviews. Have to be friends or planted reviews. This place has done some work for some personal friends of mine and they still have problems Cars symptoms afterwards all had lingering problems and they couldn’t fix them, that tells me it was less than professional. Some were brought back several times.
What ever happened to the standard 30 or 60 day guarantee?
Maybe they can do tuneups and oil changes but other more complex work I will not use there services per known associates.

The gentlemen here to date have been eminently helpful, polite, efficient and remarkably tolerant of my first car freakouts over every warning light and odd noise– better still, they seem disinclined to try taking advantage of my nonsense which is always reassuring.

My sister was always raving about her Honda and especially Wallace Automotive, so much so that I actually sold my BMW and bought a used Honda because I was tired of the cost of parts/​labor and getting jerked around by various mechanics I tried around Richmond.
Twelve years later, my Honda has been the best car ever and Wallace Automotive has renewed my faith in mechanics and service. They are wonderful, from the owner to the manager to the rest of their team. They are honest, fair, have excellent mechanics and are so patient when explaining things. Their prices are good and it just feels great to have a place like Wallace that really cares about their customers’ safety. I go to the Southside location and the waiting room is spotless, comfortable and the manager delightful. Can’t say enough about how exceptional they are. They make car maintenance something you don’t have to stress over and that makes my family happy.

Wallace Automotive is a great repair shop. They have always been honest and fair with me. They serviced my 2003 Acura MDX for almost all the years that I had it and always great work at a fair price. The service manager, Chris Hope, at the west end location has been super to work with.
In fact, my MDX was totaled in November, 2012 and I called Chris to get his opinion on what kind of car to buy. He really helped me from a maintenance perspective on the cars that I was looking at — Audi Q5, Toyota Highlander and Acura RDX.
I cannot recommend Wallace and Chris enough.
Rick

Very friendly over the phone. I went in for a lunch break oil change and when I got there they accurately estimated when I would be done. (45 minutes, although I think they got it done sooner)
The waiting room was full but really clean, decorated nicely for an auto shop and it smelled good in there! Had to use the restroom and it was super clean as well.
The guy at the desk was very helpful and responsive. I would definitely recommend them for drop-​in service.

Excellent replacement of radiator for overheating issues on a 1994 Toyota Camry XLE. Very professional and honest and a pleasure to deal with.

SInce moving to Richmond I have been taking my 97 Toyota (with 240 000 northeast miles on it) to a neighborhood Exxon shop which shall remain nameless. I could never get the car out of there for less than $ 200, even if I just went in for an oil change. Based on the Unilocal reviews I thought I would try Wallace.
The woman in front of me brought her car in because it had failed an inspection. Wallace told her that the item in question could use some work but that it was not fail-​able by any means. Wait wait — you are not going to try to drag her over the coals and do the repair at a highly inflated labor cost? Interesting.
On to Nellybelle (yes, my car has a name). The verdict was that for the number of miles she was in remarkably good shape, they had topped off fluids but no work needed to be done. Wheww whoo!
Two days later, start the car and massive noise. I called Wallace and asked if I could have it looked at again, free of charge considering I had just been in there and gotten a clean bill of health. FB didn’t want me to take the car back there because he was suspicious of the timing of the new issue. Turns out we need a new flex pipe but Wallace doesn’t do exhaust work. They recommended another place that does and did not charge me for the diagnostics.
So far, I’m a fan. We’ll see what happens we bring the stupid Volvo in.

If I could add more stars I would. I drove my car back to Richmond from Washington, DC just to have these guys fix it. I grew up in Richmond and my family and I have been taking our cars here for years. Their employees are knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly they put their customers first. You won’t be disappointed with Wallace!