Bradham Automotive

Alexandria, United States

4.4

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

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Telephone:
+1 703-549-6418
Website:
www.bradham.com
Address:
220 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Old Town Alexandria
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 miBraddock Road
0.5 miKing Street
0.6 miAlexandria
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Alexandria) 22:03 Saturday, 28 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Providing the best in automotive service and repair, Bradham Automotive is a full service automotive facility, ready to perform regular maintenance or any major repair needed on your vehicle. Regular maintenance makes your vehicle last longer and keeps you safer on the road. Conveniently serving Northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland from our Old Town Alexandria location. We provide transportation to and from the Metro and VRE Stations at Braddock Road and King Street.

We have 11 repair bays with one dedicated solely to Virginia State Safety and Emissions Inspections. More importantly, we have factory-​trained and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians to maintain your car or return it to good working condition if it needs repair. We are one of only seven, American Automobile Association (AAA), approved repair facilities in the City of Alexandria. We are rated as one of the «Best Auto Repair Shops» by the Washington Consumer’s Checkbook and the «Washingtonian».

History

Established in 1948.

Bradham Automotive, known for many years as Bradham Auto Electric, opened in its doors in 1948. The business was started by Lawrence «Brad» Bradham. Brad moved the shop from its original Alfred St. location to the current location in 1949. Mr. Bradham operated the business until 1970, when it was purchased by one of his Technicians, George Crowder. George operated the business until 2010. When he retired, George turned the business over to his son, John Crowder. John and his Mom, Shirley, continue to operate the company today. Sixty-​five years of history here! Generations of Metro area families have counted on this family to take care of their vehicles. That kind of longevity is hard to find.

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20 reviews of Bradham Automotive

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Place rating: 5
Alexandria, VA
The folks at Bradham are FANTASTIC! They are super friendly, always explain everything thoroughly, and I love how clean the the lobby area is. I highly recommend them for all your service needs!
Place rating: 4
Alexandria, VA
Good shop. They communicated well, provide a list of recommended fixes but did not push or over state the issues that they identified. Costs seemed reasonable, guess its somewhat relative to what you expect to pay.
I would use them again.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
I went to Bradham upon a recommendation. I got an oil change and new tires, and I was happy with my experience. They were kind and courteous and they educated me about my car and the service they were providing. I don’t usually like auto repair shops, but I’m comfortable at Bradham and with their people.
Last month my car wouldn’t start. After using jumper cables to get it started, I was convinced that the alternator was going out, and the battery was just replaced eight months ago. I dropped it off at the shop and asked them to find the problem (*hint* alternator *hint*). They called that afternoon to let me know they couldn’t replicate the problem, but they wanted to hold it overnight. They next day they called back, telling me the same. They couldn’t replicate the problem, and they didn’t want to fix something that may not even be broken.
Although they could have taken advantage of my non-​expert opinion to replace the alternator, they didn’t. I picked my car up the next day, and it has worked well ever since. And, as a precaution, they offered to meet me where I am if my car’s issue returned after they gave it back to me.
Bradham operates with integrity, attention to detail, and I’m sold on their outstanding service.
Place rating: 5
Miami Beach, FL
I can’t think of going elsewhere. The first time that i used their services, I asked for an oil change, a tune up and spark plugs, not really doing my research. They told me that my car had newer spark plugs and that they did not need replacing and to save the money. I find them to be honest helpful and very polite. Thanks, Bradham!
Place rating: 5
Alexandria, VA
Really nice people who were very helpful and competitive. Will definitely use them again.
Place rating: 1
Alexandria, VA
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this place. The customer service is great BUT, It is my belief that because I am a young female these mechanics tried to get over on me. Which I thought was a myth until it kinda happened to me to here, at least so I think. I went to get an emissions test $ 28. Turned out according them, the computer in my car wouldn’t connect to their systems. They wanted to charge me extra fees to figure out the problem and then extra to fix the problem. I immediately called my father in which he told me to go elsewhere. After debating about whether I owed the $ 28 for a test they didn’t perform and them telling me the same thing would happen if I went elsewhere, I still left without paying a dime. The next placed performed the emissions test no problem and I was in and out 10 minutes top.
Place rating: 3
New York, NY
Work Done in August of 2015
Customer Service = 5
ex. Coffee, nice shop, will pick you up and drop you off which is a convenience
Cost = $$$$/​5 (expensive)
Quality of work = I guess it’s fine?
Confidence in business = Story time
— They discovered I had a headlight out and asked for $ 100 dollars to replace it because it would take them almost an hour to replace it and the part. Mazda Dealership said it was like less than $ 40. I told them and they apologized and matched the dealership. This is the first red flag.

— Initial problem with the Air Conditioning — intermittent problems: recommended replace the whole thing and it was expensive; probably the most likely fix.
— I believe this next job was unnecessary: asked about a ringing sound in rear when going over bumps to uncover my rear coil springs had broken off at equal ends on both rear springs; was told he didn’t want to let me drive out of there because it was so dangerous it was and gave me some horror story that if the coil burst, it could destroy a tire and whatever else!
it was another $ 600 job to fix these. On my way being picked up from the train station their guy told me that it would be fine unless I was planning on racing it!!! It had been making that sound for 2 years so that broken piece probably was not truly a danger or it would have happened in the time from when it broke until then I’m sure. I can’t tell if these actually needed replacing, but certainly not to the degree of how unsafe they expressed it to be I feel pretty sure.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
I love, love my 1999 Celica Convertible, but she started doing some very interesting things the past year. After taking her to — no lie — 5 different shops, replacing numerous things on the car, that never fixed the problem, I finally came to Bradham. A new computer, clutch, and fuse later, she is back up and running and I couldn’t be happier. They are the go to guys if you can’t seem to figure out what is wrong and don’t make unnecessary replacements. I felt they really worked with me on the price and that counts for a lot too.
Place rating: 5
Arlington, VA
I personally believe that this auto repair station is what ALL auto repair stations should be like. They are honest, friendly and take the time to educate you on your cars issues. They’re not pushy in anyway, but they make sure your aware of all the facts and you make the decision.
I believe their prices are competitive, as I took my car to another auto shop and they quoted $ 100 more than Bradham Auto. Shout out to John and Josh for great customer service! You can feel comfortable taking your car here.
Place rating: 5
Vineland, NJ
Great service. Friendly, helpful staff. Ig you’re looking for a quality repair facility this is the place to go.
Place rating: 4
Carmel Valley, San Diego, CA
Josh and John are really good with their cusotmer service. I was very well taken care of. I had a number of issues with my jeep and decided that Bradham deserves my business over a local Jeep dealership. Not all my needed fixes could be done on this trip b/​c a few items were on back order and I am moving out of town. But Josh made sure to provide good notes for when i get to my next destination to complete the job.
Also, that darn check engine light has always been a real pain for me and my jeep. I’ve gone to various shops over the years and it always seems to get turned back on and i’m given some excuse why. But at Bradham, turns out that my gas cover cap was cracked resulting in a vapor leak. Ok, sounds good enough… well, on a road trip this weekend i saw my MPG increase by about 2MPG b/​c these guys found and fixed that issue. 2MPG doesnt sound like much, but on a jeep, with a roofrack, that is HUGE! Thanks all!
Place rating: 5
Lake Ridge, VA
This place is cute.
I called them up midday needing an oil change on my truck. I work in Crystal City and tried to find something close by work with no luck. But this place was just a quick shot down Rt 1 and pretty close to a metro, so I called them up to see if they could squeeze me in.
The d00d that answered the phone was polite… wasn’t sure if he could fit me in… put me on hold to go check out the work load… then BOOM! We can get you in! Fantastic!
So I drove down, dropped it off, got a ride to the metro to head back to work. Probably like an hour later they called me to tell me my truck was ready.
So after work I metro’ed back down to Braddock and walked maybe like 6 or 7 blocks to pick up the truck (they will pick you up from the metro if you call them… but I felt like a walk).
Oil change was pretty reasonable considering the location and the fact that I only use Mobil 1. It was under $ 100. Around $ 90 if I remember correctly. (I’m sure that sounds steep to some of you… but if you use Mobile 1, then you know that this isn’t actually unreasonable.)
There is also a little fridge in the customer waiting area stocked with water and things. Although I did not investigate.
Furthermore, the staff was really friendly and helpful. Didn’t try to upsell me with minor repairs. They were just happy to have my business.
As a result, I will definitely be returning to them for service.
Place rating: 5
These guys are the best. The actual best. I’ve been using Bradham for a few years now, for 3 different cars, and in that time they’ve done free work for me, they’ve purposely undercharged on labor time, and they’ve gotten me in for repair work on the same day when I had a huge time crunch and their schedule showed booked for the next four days. And even when they’re cutting you a break they will still take the time to show you the thing that is busted, or talk through the details of something they’ve flagged. They do solid work and they’re nice!
And I have never once felt insulted, patronized, or creeped out by any of the dudes there as a result of my being a woman, which is a REAL THING, which is a disclaimer I add in only for the guys reading this, because the ladies reading already know it. Plus the customer bathroom is clean. Which sounds like no big, but my uncle used to run a mechanic shop and so I know exactly how easy it is for black grease to get *everywhere* in a place like that.
Lastly, if it’s a holiday, they sometimes make up little cute little packets of candy to give to their customers – where else do you get some chocolate Easter eggs with your spark plugs. You should definitely trust your ride to the dudes at Bradham.
Place rating: 1
Alexandria, VA
My wonderful wife took her car in to get 1) VA emissions 2) an oil change 3) we had our airbag light on and the car wont pass state inspection with it
They recommended to change the spark plugs on a car with 130K plus miles, great lets do it should be like 100 bux if that right? wrong… cost 300 dollars totals, the spark plugs cost 166.68 just for material… why would I need spark plugs that nice on a car that old… sigh
They also recommended and performed a BG 44K carbon depletion service… I looked this up online and the cans are like 30 bux, you pour it into your gas and it cleans it out… they charged 97.17 for the material and 77.78 for labor (the labor to literally pour this into the gas tank…) not to mention that carbon depletion and fuel injection cleaning is BS and doesn’t actually help your car
know what you want when you go here otherwise you may as well light 475 dollars on fire
Place rating: 5
Alexandria, VA
Really nice and very accommodating. I ended up not having that big of an issue. but after freaking out and reading tons of ‘whats wrong’ articles I figured it would be best to bring it in. They where able to fit me in quickly and fix up my car.
Great job! and great customer service!
Place rating: 5
Alexandria, VA
Neighborhood auto guys for Old Town. I heard about them first on Unilocal and took my wife’s car there for some regular maitenance a few years ago. I went back because the Honda Landmark guys are the absolute worst and I’m not going back there.
Bradham took care of my right when I asked and they had everything done right on schedule. Nice to see some good faces and they are in a great locations that you can drop off your car and walk home if you are living in Old Town.
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
I came because my car sounded weird and needed them to check my brakes before I got on the road (I’m visiting family and drive down from Boston). They got me in last minute, figured everything out, and did a general inspection of my car. They let me know what absolutely need to be fixed and what they recommended to get checked out soon– didn’t try to force anything on me. On the contrary, when he told me I should replace my rear differential fluid, he also recommended I wait until I get home to my local mechanic because it wasn’t like a super emergency and that I should have major service like that done locally in case I have any problems.
Super transparent, super quick, and I really appreciate that they told me about everything and quoted me before they did any
addition, there was a Unilocal deal that saved me some money, and my price I paid was way under the quoted price! If I’m in the area I’ll def use them again. Highly recommend!
Place rating: 5
Alexandria, VA
I’m not often moved to write reviews but this place has been a lifesaver to me. They are trustworthy and reliable and have great customer service. I’m a single woman with a 10 year old car and it’s nice to feel like I can believe them when they tell me what needs to be done now, what can wait till later, and what to watch out for.
Today was sort of a customer service highlight day. I came out of Trader Joe’s to a fully flat front tire. I don’t know how to change a tire. I don’t have anyone to call to change a tire for me. Good thing Bradham was close by. Even though they were busy, they sent 2 guys out to help me, filled it up enough to get me to the shop (and followed me to make sure I made it), repaired the hole, sent me on my way in less than an hour and charged me nothing for it.
These are the things customer loyalty is built on.
Place rating: 4
Oxon Hill, MD
Just came in to get my emissions checked, but I’ll be going back for my next service interval. Will post an update after that. But for now, the shop was pretty clean for a service shop and the staff was really accommodating.
I’ll see you guys soon!
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
I’ve been to many car repair shops and this one is by far my favorite. The man helping me was Josh and he was extremely helpful, honest, and friendly. I don’t know much about cars and the parts that needed repair and he had no problem taking time to explain everything that they were doing and everything that was wrong with my car. He also took time to break down every expense and the cost of everything in detail so that I felt comfortable with how much I was being charged. I also took it in at 12 on my lunch break and they had it ready for me by 5 on a Friday when they were very busy. I definitely recommend this place for an honest and dependable repair!