Betterton & Whitlow

Where do I start? This is a long one. I initially went to this place to get an inspection. Seem like really nice people there, so I took one of my vehicles there for repair. A day goes by...nothing. 2 days goes by...nothing. I had to call them to find out what was going on with my car. Talked to one of them and he explained they were short handed...like almost everyone right now, so I understood. Paid $475 for repairs. I then take a different car for inspection...cool. no problem. I take that car back for repair. A week goes by...no call. I didn't mind because its a project car, not something I drive everyday. Another week goes by and I have to call them for an update. Long story short. They tell me that the car is ready and it'll be $500. HUH? Noone every called me to tell me what was wrong with the car, let alone how much it would cost to fix. Absolutely not...do whatever you have to do to erase the work you've done...I'M NOT PAYING $500. How do you even know i can afford that. I have mechanic friends that don't have the equipment like they do. Im sure I can get one of them to fix it cheaper. I wanted to know what was wrong with it. So the mechanic admitted he never discussed fixing the car with me. We worked out a lesser charge $300. I go and pick up the car...I guess this is the owner. He was rude...yelled at me "why did you bring it, if you didn't want it fixed?". Threw the pen and receipt at me...threw my keys at me! Yes, threw them! I have NEVER seen anything like that in my 49 year old life. I had to get out of there before this old man needed to call the police. I was in disbelief. So...I see a lot of people have had good experiences with this place... my experience was NOT. Go there at own risk.

Highly recommend! I noticed we had an anti-freeze leak coming from near the back of the engine (NOT GOOD). I thought the job was gonna cost more than the car is worth - but luckily it wasn't what I thought it was. My wife remembered that one of her co-workers had been raving about the auto repair shop he'd been using for many years (B&W). I called two or three other places first (but none of them seemed to know what the problem could be & all suggested bringing it in for a diagnosis - extra money - no thanks).

I then called "B&W" & spoke to "Bobby" (the owner - a very friendly guy). I described the problem & w/out hesitation - he said it was likely a "cracked intake manifold" (common for the '98 Mustang 4.6L GT). Ford, in their wisdom, decided to use plastic (which breaks) - when they should've used metal... Fortunately, they learned from their mistake & all the new after-market intake manifolds have been redesigned with METAL - to prevent CRACKING (& come w/a limited lifetime warranty).

So, Bobby fixed us up w/a brand new intake manifold - (at a price we feel was very reasonable - considering the complexity of the job & the time/labor involved). I have to say, these guys must be magicians because the Mustang is purring like a kitten & is running better than it has in YEARS!

It took them a few days to complete the job (Bobby told me it was taking them a little longer than he'd anticipated). I'm now wondering if it's because they spent a little extra time making a few "other" adjustments - to really get her dialed in? All I can say is - I'm impressed! I don't know if I can recall a time when an auto repair shop exceeded my expectations (it's rare). Good auto mechanics are VERY hard to FIND!!! They showed me my old intake manifold & where the crack was & did not try to up-sell me on anything that wasn't necessary... I even asked if any of our other fluids needed to be changed (Brake, Power Steering, Transmission) - & he said they all looked to be okay.

I'm truly amazed at how well the car is running! Bobby, if you're reading this - thank you again!!! If we need other work done - I KNOW WHO to call now.

We started using Betterton & Whitlow when we moved back into the area in 2005. I would always prefer using a locally owned small business over a big box business when I can. In my experience, they have always been very honest, reasonably priced and they do quick work. I would not hesitate in recommending this business to anyone.

I have been dealing with Betterton&whitlow for over 30 yrs.and I have always found them to do great work and be honest and fair . they r great people to do business with.

My husband and I have been taking our van here for a couple years now. These guys are completely up front, honest & reasonable. The first sign of a good mechanic shop: if you see ppl bringing their vintage cars to them! As long as we live in Chesapeake, our vehicles will go to them. Also....no turn over on mechanics. All of them have been there for years. Another good sign!