Big Al's Mufflers & Brakes

We've taken our car to big Al's three times for Belt tensioner issues and still have a car that doesn't run. The first time, the power steering belt broke. We spent 1500 dollars only to have it break down again after two miles of driving. Apparently another belt had broken. We took it back and had it repaired for the cost of the parts only to have it break down again after only 1 mile of driving. The third time we took it back, we were told that the air compressor tensioner had broken and that we would need a new one and were quoted with a price of roughly 400 dollars including parts and labor. Once we bought the parts, however, we were informed that they couldn't work on our system because of it's age and that we'd have to take it elsewhere where the process would cost over 1200 more dollars. We just decided to take the car back for what was supposed to be no charge, but when we got there, we were charged 100 dollars for other minor work on the car that we had been told wasn't supposed to cost us since the car had broken down so many times. The manager told us that we had no proof so had to pay. Needless to say, we are now out over 2000 dollars with no car to show for it. If you want to get your car fixed in Norfolk, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! more

BUYER BEWARE OF BIG AL'S in NEWPORT NEWS ON MAIN STREET ..Its a big RIP OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.. The manager there TONY had done previous little jobs on my Honda and did okay on the price . I'd gotten a quote of $450-$475 for my timing belt to be changed (parts and labor incl) by TONY-the manager on my 1990 Honda Accord.... Feb 08 It was changed ...paid the man...told my daughter to get hers done cause hes priced fair and does good work. A week ago I noticed a major leak, took it to Tony today he said its the WATER PUMP!! says he never changed it and does'nt know why. Now he wants to charge me $160.00 on the water pump change when it should've been done IN THE FIRST PLACE!!..Any mechanic will tell you ""TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP NEEDS TO BOTH BE CHANGED TOGETHER"". I should have to pay NOTHING for HIS error. What a major rip off. He KNEW I would have to come back if he didnt change the water pump and now I do...just as he planned ...with cash on hand!!... Pros: Price Cons: results of work for the price more

For brakes, suspension, and exhaust work, Big Al's can't be beat! I've had work done on both my 2002 Chevrolet Impala and the 1984 Pontiac Parisienne affectionately known as the Brown Bomber. Pros: Friendly, competent staff, convenient location. Cons: None. more