Why Choosing a Local Shop Matters: The Real Value Behind 17th Street Automotive’s Pricing

When you bring your vehicle to 17th Street Automotive, you’re not just choosing an auto repair shop....  You’re choosing a local, community-centered small business that invests in people, technology, and the future of transportation. We understand that repair costs are an important part of your decision, and we want to share openly why our pricing sometimes differs from chain stores or big-box competitors and why that difference benefits YOU and your community.

Today’s vehicles are rolling computers. They contain:

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems

Full EV platforms

High-voltage lithium batteries

Artificial Intelligence

ADAS calibrations (lane assist, blind spot, adaptive cruise, 360° cameras, radar, infrared sensors)

Advanced HVAC systems with THREE phase AC compressors

Brand specific technologies from American, European, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Australian manufacturers

To safely and properly repair these systems, our team must constantly evolve. This means:

Ongoing inperson and online training thru NAPA, Autozone, WorldPac, ATI, ATG, and many more!

Certifications and mentorship programs (ASE, ATI, NAPA, TechNet, PROvantage, BDG Hampton Roads)

Specialized tools and OEM level diagnostic equipment

Annual software updates

Because we’re local, every improvement we make benefits our neighbors directly.

A fully equipped 10-bay repair center

Premium parts with stronger warranties

Advanced scan tools and EV/ADAS-capable equipment

Higher insurance and liability coverage for your protection

A free loaner vehicle fleet for our VIP customers

Lifetime warranties and 3-year/36,000-mile NAPA nationwide coverage

You’re not paying for “extra”—you’re paying for trust, safety, precision, and peace of mind.

One of the most meaningful reasons to support a local small business is knowing that your dollars stay right here at home. When you choose 17th Street Automotive, you support:

Local Heroes, our Military Personnel & First Responders

Guns ’N Hoses hockey tournament

Firefighter & first responder appreciation day

Police donation car wash for fallen officers

Donations to Virginia Beach Rescue Squad & VB Fire Foundation

Dedicated first responder mural building

Annual 9/11 memorial events

Local Students & Education

Mentorship programs with Virginia Beach high schools

Partnerships with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (Model Partner accreditation)

Collaboration with DARS rehabilitation programs

Support for TRS Kids, Maverick Learning Center & Jonathan Cares

Local Events & Culture

Midnight car shows

New Year’s celebrations

Garage art shows with local artists

Cornhole tournaments, giveaways & community block events

Local Innovation

We’re proud to collaborate with NAPA Gold, AutoZone PROvantage, Advance TechNet, and ATI coaching programs to keep Hampton Roads on the cutting edge of automotive service.

When you choose us, you’re helping us fuel community programs that big-box chains simply don’t invest in.

We’ve proudly earned recognition not just for what we fix, but for how we serve:

2025 Virginia Beach Small Business of the Year – Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

Outstanding Service Award – Virginia Beach Fire Fighters Association

CoVaBiz: Best Repair Facility in Virginia Beach

Accredited Model Partner – Virginia Beach City Public Schools

And many other certifications, awards, and community acknowledgments

Small businesses thrive on reputation—and we work every day to earn the trust of the people who walk through our doors.

So Why Do We Charge More? Because We Give More.

When you support a local small business like ours, you’re choosing:

You're not paying for a repair.

You're supporting a mission—to uplift, educate, protect, and serve the community we call home.

Your trust enables us to keep raising the standard of automotive care in Virginia Beach.

And that’s a responsibility we never take lightly.