North Center Auto Service

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Chris Hubler
a week ago
These guys are absolutely great! Had my check engine and oil pressure lights come on in my car and they diagnosed the issue quickly and I had my car back within 36 hours, running like brand new. Pricing was reasonable. A month later and my car is still running great. I will absolutely be back for my oil changes and any other repair work needed.

  John Marshall
3 days ago
After bouts of electrical issues, I took my car in where I was told that the aux battery had gone out, and I needed new brake pads/rotors. This was going to cost my around $1,300, then upon arriving to pick up my car, another $400 was added since there was a mistake in my quote. After getting my car back, the electrical issues have persisted and absolutely nothing has changed. When all was said and done, I basically just spent $1,500 for brake pads. Elmer was very polite and communicative and seeing from past reviews, this appears to be an outlier but I will not be returning.

  Eliz Lee
2 months ago
Elmer and his crew seemed trustworthy and honest at first. He quoted me a reasonable price for my first service so I was ecstatic to find an honest mechanic - which, for a young woman with limited knowledge about cars, was such a relief. And then the service and repairs started to get really, really expensive. I expected the repairs since I have an older car, but I had a suspicion that I was being overcharged. It wasn t until the last service which caused an issue with my brakes and gave me a lot of anxiety and fear for my safety that I finally took my car to another shop to get a second opinion. Elmer had quoted me $900+ in addition to the $1200 that i already spent to fix an issue that did not start happening until he and his team worked on my car. The other shop fixed the issue for $245 and my brakes are working great. If you are not familiar with auto repairs, STAY AWAY. Elmer will take advantage of you!!

  Pat Dailey
2 months ago
There aren't enough superlatives to fully describe Elmer + his team at North Center Auto. He's unfailingly honest, and fair, thorough, quick, a good problem solver and always mindful of cost. Plus he's a delight. In all: unreserved recommendation!

  Karen Plumley
2 months ago
We've been going to Elmer since his business opened on Western. He always has a smile, the work is top notch and fairly priced, and the customer service is fantastic. Thanks Elmer and crew!

  Laurie Hanson
4 months ago
Came in for an oil change and to check out pulsating brakes..The staff was very friendly and helpful as we determined what the best solution was to the problem. The car was serviced the same day, problem solved, and the price was very reasonable. I wouldn t hesitate to return to North Center Auto Service for any other service needs and highly recommended them.

  Eryck Escobedo
5 months ago
Want your car to be in good hands and problems to resolved quickly? Looking for an honest mechanic who will take the time to explain to you what is going on with your car and how it can/will be fixed? I highly recommend seeing Elmer and his crew. Professional team, reasonable prices.

  Heidi Barnett
a month ago
Top notch service- Elmer is as honest and kind as they come. He is an excellent mechanic and very fair pricing!! HIGHLY recommend!

  Renee Freisinger
4 months ago
Excellent service. They got my car in the next day, and the job took only a few hours. Cost less than half what the dealership was going to charge me. I certainly don't want to have a reason to go back, but when I do, I trust that NCAS will treat me fairly again. Thanks guys!

  Dominic Pelc
a week ago
Honest assessment of work to be performed, reasonably priced labor and great customer service. Great neighborhood auto shop!

  Lynn Manilow
5 months ago
Where have they been all my life? They did an excellent job and for a reasonable price. I felt they were trustworthy & thorough. And..they washed my car as a perk!!! I actually received my car cleaner then how I left it . I will definitely come backService: Auto body & trim repairService: Auto body & trim repair

  Ryan Sheridan
3 years ago
Elmer and team are the best! Honest, trustworthy, fair and dedicated to their craft, simply put, I will go nowhere else in Chicago as long as I am here.I had all four tires replaced and two tire rods as well, which were not planned initially.Having anything done beyond an oil change is not o my a pain, but makes you brace for the impact to your pocket. The way they communicate, make recommendations and offer you the most competitive rates possible (without having to haggle) is a dream come true. I love Elmer and North Center Auto.

  Jeffery Shyken
7 months ago
Elmer and his crew are the greatest!! They fixed my tire in under an hour and can t beat the price. Have used them for years and always are honest and straight forward. If you are looking for a mechanic, this is your place!!Services: Tires, Electrical, Auto brake repair, Brakes, Auto tire replacement, Oil changeServices: Tires, Electrical, Auto brake repair, Brakes, Auto tire replacement, Oil change

  Zeze Khan
a year ago
Elmer was great! He was very honest and accommodating with pricing and walked me through everything. Great mechanic and he worked super fast. The most at ease I ve been getting work done on my car. Go here and you ll be in great hands.

  Hugh Hugh
8 months ago
Elmer was very nice and knowledgeable! He gave me a great price and I got my car back in a timely manner. Would highly recommend and will come back in the future!Services: Auto brake repair, Vehicle InspectionServices: Auto brake repair, Vehicle Inspection

  Robert Alexander
a month ago
Extremely helpful and worked quickly at a very competitive price. I will definitely continue taking my cars here

  asha baddi
a year ago
Elmer is a gem.Not only did he do a great job fixing my car at a reasonable price, he also graciously paid a speeding ticket that one of his guys got while driving my car back to the shop after getting it washed the day I picked it up. When I showed him the ticket and told him he should pay, he didn t argue, no questions, was apologetic and paid immediately.Says a lot about the kind of guy he is. He s a keeper

  Samantha Oeinck
a year ago
I decided to do a little Google search to find out about some auto shops near me so that I could bring my car in for an oil change and get it looked at for some occasional squealing when I turned. I had yet to find an auto shop to be loyal to, so I was curious to check out what was in my area.North Center Auto Service has INCREDIBLE reviews so I called them after work on a Thursday to see if they might be able to get me in quickly (I was expecting them to say they weren't available for a while). The owner, Elmer, said he could get me in that same night (amazing but I was unable to make it) but he DID have availability Saturday which was perfect.I drove my Subaru Forester the mile down from where I live and he let me bring my pup inside while we discussed my concerns. He offered me a loaner vehicle to get home but I knew my dog would appreciate the walk. :)A few hours later, Elmer called to let me know that the oil change was completed (bonus: their oil change services INCLUDE a tire rotation!) and that I would be due for some new brakes and tires right around winter time. Elmer didn't pressure me into moving forward with these other services immediately like some other experiences I have had - he simply informed me of the upcoming needs and the approximate timeline for getting them done, which I greatly appreciated.I will be back before winter for these additional services and look forward to my next positive experience with Elmer and North Center Auto. I've found my shop! Thank you!Service: Oil change

  Sue Crockett
2 weeks ago
Elmer & the entire staff are knowledgeable, reliable & fair in their pricing.

  Brandon Jordan
a year ago
I've been going to Elhmer for years now and he always does an amazing job on fixing my car. He's reliable straight forward and never tries to get me to buy additional services unneeded. I like going to him because he's honest and very transparent. I highly recommend.Services: Auto battery replacement, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacementServices: Auto battery replacement, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement

  Mark Sutherland
4 days ago
Elmer and his team are the best. Honest, fair and timely .

  Eryn S
2 years ago
A friend recommended Elmer because he s not only a good mechanic but also a good man, and I m so thankful she did. It s tough to find an HONEST mechanic like Elmer he showed me what was wrong with my car, told me what actually needed to be fixed and what could wait, and gave me options that would fit my budget. He wanted to truly be helpful, not just make money; he even made sure I had a way home after dropping my car off. His communication and service were great too. I d recommend him & his team to others!

  Rese Tiller
11 months ago
Elmer is the absolute best! He s always so kind and I always trust his opinion on whatever my car needs. Don t take your car anywhere else but here!

  Bernard Siwik
11 months ago
North Center Auto is THE best car repair company in all of Chicago. Elmer and his team are professional, efficient, honest and genuine. I would not trust my families cars to anyone else.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Oil changeServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Oil change

  Ahndrea Caliendo
a year ago
Ernesto came highly recommended and he is the best! He is completely honest and trustworthy and has earned my business for life. I bought a used car in and he not only took the time to explain in detail what was wrong to me, but also called my dad and did the same for him as well as sent him photos. He didn t try to sell me anything unnecessary which doesn t happen often as a college girl with zero car knowledge. He offered me a ride home when I dropped off my car and I left feeling more like a family member than a customerServices: General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle Inspection, A/C installation & repair, Auto emissions testing, Air conditioning, Oil change

  tom stroms
2 years ago
Elmer and his crew are the very best. I can't speak more highly about the work they preform all the while doing so with a friendly attitude, prices are good also. I feel these are some very honest guys. Elmer the owner even helped me out once in a jam which I am very appreciative of. My van was in need of repair. I needed it to attend a close friends Navy recruit graduation the next day and to be able to drive him around on his liberty time after. I explained the situation to Elmer. He stayed late, almost till 9pm to help me out. If you happen to read this Elmer, thanks again!Services: Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, Brakes

  Brian Kucera
2 years ago
Elmer and North Center Auto are truly a life saver. After work one day, my car made a concerning noise when I started it and had no idea what was causing it. I was able to take my car to Elmer close to closing time, but he was able to take the time and care to check out my car and tell me what was wrong. After that, he was very accommodating and reliable and I think incredibly fair. He explained everything that was going on and it was also an incredibly quick turnaround. Elmer was caring and funny as he helped me navigate this car situation. I would absolutely take my care here again any time!Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Jason Bohrer
5 months ago
Went here for an issue with the gas line/gas cap. After thinking the issue was fixed, I had to stop by 2-3 more times after. Once because the wrong part was installed, and another time or two because the issue was not fixed.

  Michael Johnston
a month ago
Friendly, honest, fair prices, and the work that has been done over the years has always been done well.

  Miranda Meade
2 years ago
I m relatively new to car ownership, and after a terrible experience at a large chain shop, I honestly considered just selling my car so I wouldn t have to deal with that again. I m glad I decided to give North Center Auto a shot, because even though my car needed a lot of work, Elmer was super friendly & explained everything to me patiently & with 0 judgment. The work was completely done by the next evening & my little Subaru is running better now than it ever has before. They even fixed my AC, which I was sure was toast. Thanks Elmer & team!Services: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Air conditioning