A Whole New Kind of Auto Repair Shop in Devon

It's the first of its kind auto repair shop on the Upper Main Line and one of only a handful in the entire Mid-Atlantic. AAA has opened a not-for profit, state-of-the-art auto repair shop in Devon.

For any jaded vehicle owner who's ever taken a car or truck in for service it may sound too good to be true. An auto repair shop that's not going to try to sell you what you don't need when you come in for an inspection, oil change or other maintenance. If you're not an AAA member, they will offer you the low-pressure chance to become one in order to save money. The shop, which is part of the new full service Mid-Atlantic AAA store at 849 West Lancaster Ave. (next to Whole Foods in Devon) is a full-service, not for profit facility. The mechanics work on every make and model vehicle in a big, spotless service area where customers are encouraged to watch what's being done to their car.

Car Care Manager Bill Bradley says mechanics will inspect vehicles and advise customers on what work needs to be done or what works may need to be done down the road. Bradley says it's a new alternative to other repair facilities. If you come in for tires, they'll take a look at the condition of your brakes. But unlike more traditional repair shops, AAA is not in it to make a profit. They will show you the condition of fluids and brakes, for example, but they won't try to sell you something you don't need.

As one AAA service writer who worked in a major dealership put it "it's a very different approach (to auto repair shops)."

Just like other AAA services, the auto repair shop is open to members and non-members alike. AAA members will get work done at cheaper prices. Customers get to see the difference in prices but are not required to join AAA to get service.

AAA is an auto club. Members have always been able to get towing, repair and car buying advice, travel information, and car insurance. The new AAA facility in Devon is one of the first in the Mid-Atlantic to offer on-site auto repair in addition to travel and insurance services.

Bradley says AAA members can still get towing to any facility they choose. If your car breaks down somewhere you don't have to bring it to AAA.

If you're leaving your car for service, the shop offers a courtesy shuttle. If you are waiting for your vehicle there is a waiting room with a small children's playroom, wifi-equipped work spaces, and a huge window that gives you a full view of the entire garage so you can watch mechanics as they work on your car.

Hours are:

M-F:  7:00am - 7:00pm
Sat: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sun: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Special Hours: 12/24/11 8AM-3PM
12/25/11 Closed
12/26/11 Closed
12/31/11 8AM-3PM
1/1/12 Closed
1/2/12 Closed

The AAA store is in the Devon Village Shopping Center, next to the Whole Foods Market. It is set back from Lancaster Ave. and there is a building that can make it hard to zip past on Lancaster Ave. The parking lot has an entrance directly on Lancaster Avenue, but if you miss it you can also get there through the Whole Foods parking lot.