Northern Virginia's Do-It-Yourself Mechanics Shop

[jstew]

Do it yourself & $ave
Northern Virginia’s only Do-it-yourself auto shop!

Do it yourself mechanics is a complete Do-It-Yourself vehicle repair center located in Sterling, VA. Our modern facility offers you a professional clean work environment. We have professional bays, lift, tools, and shop equipment for rent by the hour, day, week or month. Each rental bay comes with a 210 piece tool set.

We have four 2-post lift bays that can hold up to 7,000lbs, one 4-post lift bay that can hold up to 12,000lbs, one motorcycle lift bay, one low-rise lift bay holding 6,000lbs and another low-rise lift bay which holds up to 10,000lbs, and on open bay with jacks and jack stands. The facility also has a variety of different machines which include tire changer, tire balancer, engine hoists, transmission jacks, oil disposal & oil waste containers, wash up area, a variety of specialty tools and much more. There’s also free parts delivery and overnight storage. 10% off discounts for clubs members are available and coming soon is a conference room.

We stock automotive supplies and have Alldata OEM information system to make your project a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Our unique concept of auto repair helps you save 50% or more on your auto repair expenses. You have the option to do-it-yourself or rent a certified mechanic on our staff to assist you with the help you need.

We welcome you to stop by and see our ultra modern facility. We are located at 21606 cedar lane, sterling, VA 20166. Our website is <link removed> and our number is 703.421.8855

[pseto]

Thanks any idea on rates?

[mcoupemindy]

Thanks any idea on rates?

<link removed>

[mdepena]

Very cool concept and in my neck of the woods.

[Reach]

Is this place new? Crazy concept.

[1996 328ti]

Is this place new? Crazy concept.

Not a crazy concept.
In NY during the 1973 oil embargo gas stations had no fuel to sell and supplemented their income by renting out their bays.
From what I remember, it was not very successful.

[Reach]

Actually Steven, that's kinda my point. Sounds great for the customer, I just don't have any idea how this makes money!

[1996 328ti]

Actually Steven, that's kinda my point. Sounds great for the customer, I just don't have any idea how this makes money!

It didn't back in '73.
I guess it depends how many hours they can keep cars in the air.

[jstew]

they way they make money is that costumers pay for the lift by the hour and tools by the hour

[mdepena]

I went in there and met Ed. Very nice facility. I really can't see the drawback in using them.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Nice.

I hope this is successful.

It would be really neat if they would get an alignment rack. I'd be willing to pay a few bucks to use an alignment rack, rather than set up my strings.

[Reach]

I used this shop today to perform a fluid change on my transmission and differential, as I recently clicked over 75k and I have a policy of doing these two in tandem every 25k miles.

The shop was clean, well lit, the equipment was excellent, and 'free' rental tools with the use of a lift, delivered on a rolling cart... it can't be beat. I paid a low price, under $25, and got in and out with my work done in about 90 minutes. When I realized I had forgotten my special 12mm allen head socket I need to do my diff, they produced one for me without any hassle or extra charge. Friendly people to talk to, and even the other gearheads working on their projects around were fun.

I was slightly surprised that they do not take appointments, it is just rental lifts on a walk-up, first-come-first served basis. With that many bays and about 6 lifts I don't see that being a problem most days, but I would hate to schedule time to do a project, get there, and find out they are full. I'd recommend calling ahead before you go just to check. All-in-all, a fantastic little enthusiast shop and a wonderful resource for us locals. Two thumbs up, cheers.

[mcoupemindy]

I used this shop today to perform a fluid change on my transmission and differential, as I recently clicked over 75k and I have a policy of doing these two in tandem every 25k miles.

The shop was clean, well lit, the equipment was excellent, and 'free' rental tools with the use of a lift, delivered on a rolling cart... it can't be beat. I paid a low price, under $25, and got in and out with my work done in about 90 minutes. When I realized I had forgotten my special 12mm allen head socket I need to do my diff, they produced one for me without any hassle or extra charge. Friendly people to talk to, and even the other gearheads working on their projects around were fun.

I was slightly surprised that they do not take appointments, it is just rental lifts on a walk-up, first-come-first served basis. With that many bays and about 6 lifts I don't see that being a problem most days, but I would hate to schedule time to do a project, get there, and find out they are full. I'd recommend calling ahead before you go just to check. All-in-all, a fantastic little enthusiast shop and a wonderful resource for us locals. Two thumbs up, cheers.

Mike, good to hear that there's a low cost option if you need to throw your car on a lift for an hour or so. Thanks for the writeup!

[bimmer325imt]

Hi Bimmerheads,

I really miss the chapter DIY since relocating from MD to Arizona. The chapter here is not advance as the ncc with only 850 members and one has to look for them. Their socials are very week and meetings especially board meetings happen once a year(elections). So my wife and I who sat on the DIY committee for the chapter were looking for a place that would allow you to work on your car. Just recently we found a place like DIY Mechanics. It is called U fix it. I have used it twice: 1. for oil change and 2. for drive shaft repair on center support bearing. Next best thing as well as an alternative besides chapter DIY. I the only slight issue you may run into is when the mechanic should be involved while your are on your DIY. With the chapter DIY you do not have to worry about that. If you cannot wait for the chapter DIY or it is full then alternative would be a DIY mechanics. Ofcourse, there is a cost to it which you have to budget for. Out here in Phoenix this shop charges $20/hr or $100 1/2 day or $150 for full day. Seems northern Va shop is a bit cheaper...mmmmm

[Ethan Blank]

Glad I came accross this company on a random Web search, then I searched the NCC site, and glad to hear that Reach had a good experience there. Has anyone else been there?

I'm planning to do a transmission swap, clutch replacement/flywheel replacement/rear main seal replacement on my 1993 Miata over the winter, and the thought of doing it on my back in my garage with 18" of clearance or so is not the most appetizing thought. This facility could be the answer to my prayers (other than winning a Bendpak unit at Chapterfest....)