Took my car there recently for an oil change and vehicle inspection. The shop manager, Armand, was very professional and easy to talk to. The oil change was completed very quickly and the vehicle inspection was very clearly explained to me. The tech made a few recommendations but they didn’t come across as too pushy to do the jobs which is a nice change from other shops. Armand even hooked me up with a small discount for it being my first time there. Overall, a great experience at a shop.
Great experience. CJ and Armand are the best. In fact the whole crew at this location are very professional. They work great with auto service warranties. I would recommend this location. Fair prices for exceptional service.
Disappointed in Merlins deceptive tactics to get business. They were not truthful in their diagnosis of my car on several items I knew were fine with my car that made me cross check with a mechanic that I find to be more trustworthy.I went to Merlin to fix the brakes on my car as the brake pads were wearing out and the mechanic I prefer was busy for 2 weeks. While they fixed my brakes they also did an inspection on my car. After their inspection they told me that my oil was seriously low and not even showing up on the dipstick (not true as the day prior to this my oil was reading covering two out of four dots on my dipstick), my serpentine belt was worn out (was replaced two years prior to this visit), and that my control arms were in horrible shape and had broken the tie rods in the front of my car (this is something I was unsure of as I do not have the knowledge to check this myself).Once they called with the diagnosis, I told them that we had just had the serpentine belt replaced 2 years ago and the person on the phone said that he would personally go check my car to verify the findings. I did not mention that I had checked my oil the day before because he offered to change it for free. Once he called back, he said that the serpentine belt was not that bad but had fraying on it. He continued to say that the oil was very low and that they should do an oil replacement. This was a red flag to me that they would change their diagnosis based on what I said.After this diagnosis, I told them to go ahead with the brakes along with the oil change they said they would do for free but not the control arm or tie rod which they tried to convince me to fix due to the safety risk. I did not drive my car for the 2 weeks that it took to get my car into a trusted mechanic to double check and held off on writing a review just in case Merlin had just made a few mistakes but were truly looking out for my safety while driving my car.The mechanic I went to to double check my cars health was informed on the specific issues that Merlin said was wrong with my car so they could take a close look at these portions. After their inspection they found my car to be in good shape with the components mentioned as in terrible shape by Merlin looking safe.Overall, Merlin is not truthful with their inspections and will try to get you to agree to expensive services that may not be needed. I recommend going elsewhere to get an accurate inspection.
Wow, I love this place. I never leave reviews but I feel compelled to. To start, my car was making a bunch of weird noises and I needed fixing, bad. I arrived early afternoon without an appointment and spoke with a friendly gentleman named Armand. He was professional and very informative. He took it on a test run and told me the results in 10 min. Although Merlin was very busy when I arrived, they treated me like a VIP. They said it would be a few hours before my car was ready for pick up. So they gave me a ride back home in the shop van they have. When I got the call back, (sooner than expected) Armand said he put his best technician on the job, for my car. I found out later his name was James, and he was awesome! Long story short my car is in the best shape it’s ever been in it’s entire life. Armand threw on a free oil change and windshield wipers and took care of me. I will always go back to Merlin when my car needs fixing and you should too! Thank you Merlin!!!
The technicians there are professional and so helpful! I feel as though they run necessary tests and explain the diagnostics that are easy to understand for an average car owner.They don’t try to upsell parts or extra services (which is amazing!)Great shop to get your car serviced with reasonable prices and honest technicians.
I am incredibly happy with the work that was done to my car at this location! The general manger Armand was very helpful and explained everything I needed done in a way that was easy to understand. I was updated every step of the way and they even sent pictures to show me specifically why things needed to be replaced. I never felt like I was being taken advantage of or charged for unnecessary work.When I went to pick up my car the service manger CJ went over again everything that they did and what each charge was for. He made sure I was satisfied with what they did and let me know that if I had any questions or concerns that they would be there to help. They also told me about the warranty that came with all the work I had done which was really good to know.Whether its just for an oil change or another major repair, I will definitely be back to this location for work on my vehicle!
I have been a Merlin customer for more then a decade now. I have been to several different ones but this location is by far the best repair shop I have ever been to. They took the time to show me everything that was in need of repairs. They called me on the phone to explain everything but then also suggested I come by to see what was broken and in need of replacement. I did just that and it was so much easier to see what was needed instead of hearing it over the phone. The guys at this shop actually came from another Merlin that was on 75th street. They are extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. They helped with discounts and communicated with me every step of the way. I will never go to another repair shop because they are just Rockstars here. I recommend them to everyone looking for good repairs at a fair price.
I wish I could give more then 5 stars. Armand and CJ and the rest of the team, helped me out and got the job done quickly and with no BS. Great to know we have really experienced and helpful mechanic shops still around. Cant recommend this shop enough! Thank you again guys!
I went in for an Oil change and air filters, after talking the sales guy down on the phone and explaining several times I only wanted the $50 oil change package, when I picked my car up they still tried to charge me the $200 oil change and general wellness check fee. The sales rep never even went over what they saw in the check, just told me I owed $200 and since they already performed the “check” he couldn’t take it off my bill. Then the cashiers had the nerve to let me know I could leave him a tip with their new system and way they accept credit card payments. Ironically I’m hearing new noises on my vehicle after getting it back. I’ll never return again.
After some neglect on my car, overdue oil changes, and expiring plate sticker, some major engine work had to be done to get it running like new again to get through emissions. Armand, CJ, and the staff at Merlin was great at communicating the issues and what needed to be done at a very reasonable price without the BS or overselling their services. This was a big repair so it did take some time, but this was to ensure everything was checked thoroughly and done correctly, and I was updated every step of the way. They also offered me their courtesy car while mine was in their shop. Overall my car is running better than it has in a very long time. Would definitely recommend for any car repair, big or small.
I have been going here for years. I mainly used them for oil changes. However as of recently I went in and there is new management and new faces. I went in for an oil change and the manager armond was extremely friendly and polite. We talked about my check engine light being on and what might be causing the problem. They checked it out and it was a simple fix. He explained everything to me and also gave me a discount. When I picked up the vehicle another manager CJ explained the warrantys and all the discounts given. I could not be happier with the service I received. I will continue to use them for all my needs now and will absolutely be telling family and friends to go see the guys at merlin.
I have a small fleet of 5 cars in my family and I do a lot of my own work. I take my car in for some things and my time is valuable. My dollar is also valuable, and when I shop around I keep finding Merlins has the most competitive prices for most of the things I need repaired on my cars. I recently needed a lot of work done on two of my cars, some of which I could do myself, but the quote from my friends at the Downers Grove Merlin shop made me realize how much my time is worth. On two separate visits I dropped off my cars for a few hours to let them work on them when they could (they actually pushed one of my cars off the street outside the shop where it stalled - thank you for that, saved me a tow). The guys at the desk know their stuff, and the mechanics identified all the things my cars needed on a written inspection report. They quoted me a fair price after they explained what the cars needed and they had some discounts available that made the decision easier to let them do the work for me. The cars both work great now, new struts and tires with an alignment on one, and two electrical relays and a new set of brakes all the way around on the other, along with a few other items on both cars. I am very happy with the prices and the professional work. They are friendly and knowledgeable without being pushy, and I trust them. Nice job guys! I have had most of my cars in their shop and I have been very happy with the work.
This is the ONLY location I go to. I live walking distance from the Bolingbrook location however the customer service and quality of work is unmatched! The workers are knowledgeable, professional and honest. I have over 200,000 miles on my car and they keep her running like new.
Best customer service and best mechanic, can’t describe in my words, never seen auto mechanic shop that professional. Especially JC and Armaan was the best people I dealer with, Thanks for best service.
Good customer service. Their computers were down, delayed our repair. Luckily they gave us a discount for the the inconvenience.
Armand is the person that you want to work with on anything related to a repair on your vehicle! Honest and very knowledgeable professional and I will be going back to his shop the next time I need anything for my autos!
Cant say enough great things about the amazing service I received from Merlins in Downers Grove including the exceptional customer service from Armand. I am not local and was visiting the area when I had some serious car trouble only hours after picking my car up from a different mechanic. I found Merlins and immediately knew I made the right choice from talking with Armand. He was so helpful constantly communicating with me and you could tell he is just very passionate about what he does. I know nothing about cars, and he took the time to explain the problem to me to where I was even able to go back to the original mechanic and complain about what they did wrong. Armand also knew I was only in town visiting and went above and beyond to help me get my car back in time so I did not have to miss any work. I felt so comfortable with everything that I even had them do some additional work my vehicle needed because I just knew it would be done right. I believe Sean was the technician that worked on my vehicle. Its been about a month since I was at Merlins and my car has been driving better than ever!
Armando is very professional and courteous. This guy really cares about getting your car back on the road
The guys at Merlin Auto were fantasic! They changed my spark plugs very quickly and efficiently. I will definitely be going back there for all of my auto repair needs as well as referring them to others.
After several years of not visiting this Merlin location due to a bad experience I decided to give it another try for an oil change on my 2006 Rav4. Bringing the car there was effortless and the employees there seemed keen on doing a great job and provide excellent customer service. Once they conducted their check on the vehicle they notified me of some major issues plaguing my vehicle such as some leaks and stuff wrong with the rear axel (among some other things). Being skeptical of any repair shop and their upsell history, I was hesitant on agreeing to the repairs. ARMAND, who helped me through all this, took the time to take pictures of each issue he saw, including the leaks, and walked me through each issue explaining what we were seeing in the pics and why they should be repaired. Needless to say, I have never had any mechanic or repair shop employee, no matter how qualified, take the time to actually show me and inform me on the issues present in any vehicle that I have owned so this was a breath of fresh air. I will continue to come to this location from now on for all my repairs/oil changes and recommend my family and friends to go see Armand at Merlin.
Very fast and efficient, the guy at the front desk might have dementia tho
Great service at a great price!
These guys go out of their way to make sure youre provided with excellent customer service and great auto care. Erik the manager is very knowledgeable and he gives the best quotes around. Big thanks to my service guy Daniel for just being a great guy!
Thank goodness they’re open on a weekend! Brakes were grinding and needed something quick. I called and they were friendly and honest. Took 2 hours just has they said! I would recommend.
Good place to get oil done. Thats it. They are really trying to push that they are a full service garage. Ive had three different issues Ive brought to them and they have quoted me nearly double most garages. I brought up the fact that they seem to over estimating work and I was told we dont set the prices and offer a 20$ off coupon. Super nice guys but its just an oil shop.
Great service and amazing prices! I have been getting an oil change at a different shop for a couple years now and decided to go a different route and I am thankful I did! They checked my car and made sure everything was good and found something that needed assistance right away! If it wasnt for their careful service and patience my car would have been damaged if I would have kept running it the way I was! They take good care of their customers :) definitely will be back.
Had a terrible experience about 18 months ago. Decided to give them a second shot last Thursday after reading the good reviews on here. Happy I did! Eric was very informative and made some great recommendations. I’ll be back!
Very professional staff, excellent customer service. Dropped by vehicle off for a differential oil change. They did the service in a timely manner. Good job!
Great people to do business with. Theyre not into overselling or charging extra for repairs and services. Affordable mataince prices and friendly staff. Thanks Erik and Dan!
I was looking for a new body shop since mine mechanic retired and a friend referred me to Sean at Merlin Complete Auto care in Downers Grove. Im so happy with the service and professionalism! To start I had first class service with a ride to and from work. The manager kept me updated while I was at work with what my vehicle needed. They replaced my brakes with new ceramic brakes and rotors. I also needed new shocks and a wheel alignment. My jeep drives so much better! No more shaking when driving fast speeds! I feel so much safer on the road knowing my vehicle is able to vroom vroom safely! You will be in good hands with this shop!
They offer a good repair for a fair price
The Shop Manger is Great Guy and Honest and Friendly, Showed Me What Would Need To Be Done and The Cost, Left It Up To Me To Decide, and Just as Important To Me, Got Me Serviced Quick, Thanks again, Sincerely Sam
Excellent service in this shop! I would recommend to come here for all your vehicle needs. Erik provided excellent customer service. The techs were very fast and efficient. Will definitely come back for my tires and brakes next week.
My car has issues starting in cold weather for YEARS. So many shops could not figure out what was wrong. These guys found and fixed the issue very quickly.
Great guys, very understanding of cost barriers in this whole pandemic thing. Quick work and upfront on cost and time needed for the work.
The service was impressively efficient and by far my best experience at any Merlin. The manager Erik Martinez is really courteous, kind, and knowledgeable . Most importantly they charge fair prices. I definitely recommend this place. You can trust these guys with your car. Thanks for the help!!
Very nice service. The manager good person.
I just got back from getting my car serviced and it was a fantastic experience. I had a flat tire and Dennis and his team were able to repair it so I didnt need to buy a brand new one. I also got an oil change while I was at it. Even though I was a walk-in with no coupons Dennis alerted me to all the sales and discounts I qualified for. He even dug up an old Merlins account I had years ago and made sure I got an extra 2% off for having that. The service came with a free inspection and I watched as the mechanic spent a healthy amount of time under my car with a flashlight inspecting the various parts and systems. He put a lot of time into it even though it was free. I also enjoyed how the mechanic would pop into the office from time to time to grab paperwork and crack a joke. It just seems like they have a really solid team over there. Dennis gave me the run down of the inspection when I paid and my car had a clean bill of health. Even though I dont know anything about cars and would have been an easy mark to upsell, Dennis was a straight shooter and didnt try to sell me anything I didnt need. They earned a repeat customer today!
The staff is personable, friendly, and seem to genuinely enjoy the work they do. They offered to give me a ride when my car needed more work than expected and they gave me a fair, reasonable, price on what I needed done. They used a checklist to make sure everything was done and they honored my requests for aspects of the service I didnt need. Another customer I met spoke about how they would refuse to work on your car if you didnt need the service! This is the first shop that hasnt tried to sell me on things my car did not need. I cannot recommend them enough!
Great service! Walked in and got my problems fixed right away! The manager Erik was super awesome and had great customer service. All employees were respectful and great. Recommend this place for everyone.
I like the people over here, they took care of me very well. Especially the service manager Jermey. He is so nice!. They do explain you everything in detail. This is my second time over here and they are superb. I would recommend all of you to go at least once and get you car service.
Not from the area and I had a car problem that was urgent. They took me in immediately even though they closed in an hour, and they were super nice and helpful. Fixed the problem up nice and they only charged me labour fees. Every other shop refused to take me until Monday. Erik was a pleasure. Recommend them to anyone who’s in the area and needs immediate attention. Thanks again guys!
Ive been using this shop for over a year now and the quality and price of work has never disappointed.The staff have always been helpful and friendly and willing to explain the issues and ensure that they are taken care of.
This Merlin location has excellent service. For the past two months I was bouncing around between mechanics and couldn’t get the work I needed done on my car and it was very frustrating. I came to this shop and Erik M helped me, he told me exactly what needed to be fixed and inspected my whole car for further issues. My car is older so Erik really looked into it. I thought I was just going there to get two different jobs done but thank god Erik did the inspection and informed me that I needed an oil change as well. He really did a great job and I know his team helped him fix my car as well. 20/10 customer service and will definitely be going to Merlin to get my car fixed from now on!
I drove from Plainfield to Downers Grove and it was well worth it. Erik Martinez, General Manager was extremely helpful. He recommended what was important for my car’s maintenance. Very satisfied with my visit.
This place has really good customer service. The Manger Erik took really good care of my car . The prices were really reasonable too. I recommend taking your car there for service they will take care of you.
Great service, friendly staff, and best prices in the area (especially for oil change). Better than any other Merlin location Ive been to as well.
Great service. Ivan and Dan took excellent care of my car.
Took my truck in for cosmetic reasons, that was done correctly. Asked the mechanic to check my brakes, he stated they where good, 3 weeks later, I was metal to metal on my front brakes. Do not trust them for any reason that would involve the guys doing any hard work.. Only reason they get 2 stars is the cosmetic work was done in a timely manor.
Erik and the guys were incredibly helpful. They got us in very urgently and gave excellent service. Will definitely recommend to a friend!
This place had excellent customer service to the person who gave me life. Thats even better than if you had given me good customer service. 500/5 stars.
I went into this shop to get oil change on my vehicle. Erik the store manager stated I needed an alternator, a battery and breaks because they were bad. I just had everything replaced 3 months ago and the receipts were in the glove box. I know about cars even being a girl. The other manager looked at my car, the one with his arm in a cast, and told me there was nothing wrong with my car. During that time you can hear Erik yelling at and belittling the other manager and the techs through the window in the office. Maybe he thinks that thin glass is sound proof. I called today to thank the other manager Dan after I got back from my trip to find out he was fired. Big mistake Merlins made. I hope I can find out where the other manager Dan has gone. He will get my business and business from family and friends. Not this Merlins place.
These guys are very straightforward, fast and very knowledgeable. They are also cheaper than their competitors. I had some exhaust work done and I was taken care of right away. Ill definitely use them for all of my exhaust work in the future.
My go to place for all my car needs. Just got my summer maintenance done today.
I actually have not had my car serviced here but I took my car to Merlin to have my battery checked. They brought it in and checked the battery, alternator and starter. Turns out my battery was dying but it was still under warranty from an auto parts store. Merlin offered to fix but did not charge me anything when I told them I wanted to go back to the store where I bought my battery.
IM NOT SURE IF IM GONNA BE BACK HERE THEY WERE VERY THOROUGH WITH THE CHECK OF MY VEHICLE PRICES FOR PARTS WERE NEARLY 2 TO 3 1/2 TIMES WHAT I CAN BUY THEM FOR CAREFUL THEY CAN BE A LITTLE OFF ON THE ESTIMATES OR WHAT NEEDS TO BE FIX!
This auto shop is very good at what they do, good oil change ($20.00), frendly. Be warned of the quotes of what they want you to fix for your car! They have sales tricks, please do not fall in the trap, giving rebates, etc!!
About 2 weeks ago, I brought my truck into this shop to be politely greeted by Dan G, the Service Manager. I noticed he had a cast on his arm and asked what he did? He explained how he ended up like that but looked like he took pride in still working and finishing the repair. There was another person in the office behind the counter. Short Hispanic fella. I explained to Dan G what the issue is with my truck. Some rattling noise under the driver side. He asked for my keys and drove it on to the lift. While it was in the air, Dan G noticed a sheet metal very loose. He explained to me he can put some sheet metal screws in it to hold it up and secure it. I said how much for that repair? Dan said nothing. It was his pleasure to help an old guy like me out. As he was putting the first screw in, that short fella, assume to be Erik the General Manager, began to yell at Dan and put him down. Then he explained loud enough so that myself and others could hear in the waiting area, Merlins is in the business to make money..not do repairs for free. So I stood up and open the side door to the shop. Told Erik M, the general Manager, as stated on his card... to mind his own business and let Dan G finish. I will gladly pay Dan for the time and the 4 screws. When Dan G was finished, he started my truck and checked to see if anything else was rattling. Besides the marbles in my head. Dan said my front brakes on the inside were badly worn. As Dan was standing at a computer in the shop, Erik M walked over to Dan and took a clipboard from him and went into his office. 5 minutes later came out to give me a price of over $420 for new brake pads and rotors. Im sorry, but NTB was only $220 for the same repair. What a mark up. 3-4 times the price if you check online at auto parts places. Dan G then lowered my truck and pulled it out for me. He handed me the keys and I secretly handed him some cash for taking care of me. It wasnt much...about $10. He refused to take my money. He said he was happy to be of some use again. I couldnt stand there listening to this young man, trying to earn a living to feed his family and provide for them to be belittled and ripped down by some bubble headed ego Erik M. He said he was wrongfully accused of money theft and abused the shop card for parts, but the parts store..OReillys stated they caused the mixed up. Dan was still written up for it. What a shame.NEVER GO TO THIS MERLINS SHOP.
Great staff and service. Tim (manager)was very helpful and trustworthy throughout the entire process. I will continue to bring my vehicles here.
Expert and professional work. The auto tech was able to open my stuck glove compartment without breaking the lock. He removed it, ordered a new one and replaced it. Definitely will go back for my auto needs.
Correct oil change and service
Excellent Customer service! The manager Erik explained everything very clear and went through all the options.
Service was friendly but spent almost an hour here for a simple oil change that most places do in 10 minutes. Lots of milling about while servicing my vehicle and lack of focus. I wasn’t the only one that waited far too long
Went there for an appointment and they didnt have parts available, had too come back next day, I was a little disappointed but the merlin team went the extra mile and made it worth my time to come all the way back the next day .
It is a rare day when you find really honest and trustworthy auto mechanics. Fred and Marty fit the bill to a T. They tell you what your car needs and what it does not. They are a real asset to the community. Jon Wilcox, Farmers Insurance Agent.
Sean and Jeremy are wonderful! The new guy Eric is great too.
Very nice place to go good work, excellent staff and resonabrea prices I recommend any one to go
I trust the guys at Merlin’s. They always give me a fair price and provide quick service.
Always good service. Erik and Jeremy are always helpful.
Very knowledgeable staff, very honest, Dave and Don were very informational! Highly recommended
They were very friendly to me however I took my car in for an oil change & 3k mile maintenance package. I had no issues with sensors or messages on my dashboard when I brought my truck in. They serviced my truck and I left, since then I have been hearing a new noise coming from my rear tire. Plus now sensors are going off telling me to service traction control & service stabilitrack. Those messages were not showing on my dashboard before they touched my truck. When I called back to see why this was happening they told me i would need to bring it back to be fixed. And estimated the cost at $467. I seriously regret bringing my truck to this place. I will never return. I would never ever recommend Merlins not even for a simple oil change.
Fast, friendly and affordable. Also did some extra inspection work that was really helpful without doing a hard upsell.
Terrible customer services, never come back here again. Not recommended for anyone
Marty seems dislikes customer who uses the discounted punch card that I bought over the internet. I use it for the oil change for the very first time. I forgot to pick up the card after the oil change. I called and was told they will hold the card for me. Nevertheless, i called today, Marty responds he threw away everything after thirty days, and he did not keep any customers record in the computer. Can you believe that? I admit i have responsibility to pick it up, but i was not told he will only keep it for thirty days.
Besides the fair pricing, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Zero complaints
Erik Martinez was so very helpful my Head LIGHT was out he replaced it for free and let me know kindly what was wrong with the Connector for free. Thank you Erik Martinez!
Great service, Erik Mendez helped me with other issues I had with my car and best way to fix them. Will go back
Great prices, amazing staff, quick service.
Great New Ownership. Would highly recommend.
Not supposed to be on this place. Review was intended for a far different place.
Good people, do very good work!!
Nice place for service.
Good work and friendly people at a fair price.
Super transparent & friendly service
The Guys there are wonderful!!! Very helpful!
Very helpful stuff.
Friendly staff, great service.
Didnt charge me when they spent an hour looking at my car to determine it was basically totaled. Then let me keep it in their lot a couple days until scrappers could tow it away.
They always try to sell you more than you need.
They seem to be honest😎
Great customer service.
I can rely on them to get the job done and get it right
Great!
Excellent service, excellent price. It is very difficult to find a place of 5 stars, with guarantee and that speak in your language. They informed me of what they did to my truck step by step and in a way that I can understand. 100% recommendable.Excellent service and excellent prices, Erik and his team are very helpful and knowledgeable.