Merlin Complete Auto Care

Reviews

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

  Wally Kulak
3 weeks ago
These two guys Anthony and Jt are great! They went above and beyond fixing my truck. They never try and sell you anything you don t need. If you want it done right go here!

  Ron Williams
7 months ago
Vehicles was dropped of 9/8/23. Quoted for replacement of all brake lines and oil change was $1050. When the vehicle was "done" I was working and had pay over phone to have access to it. I was charged $1107. Was told keys and invoice would be left in car. That didn't happen, thankfully I had a spare key. The oil gauge was off so I checked the oil and found the oil was dirty and was a quart low. This prompted me to get under the car to see what was replaced. That answer was nothing. When I went back on 9/11/23 the owner, Anthony said they replaced 2 brake lines from master cylinder to abs module. Which I was able to see, but quote was for ALL brake lines, per his recommendation. When I asked about the oil change not being done. He the offered to complete it. After asking for a refund multiple times he finally agreed to refund the oil change that was never done. When confronted about being scammed I was met with a shrug of the shoulders and a refusal to change the price. Stay clear of this business! They know what they're doing and exactly how wrong they are. They won't stop with me.

  Danielle Roubal
8 months ago
I've been here a couple times and the staff are extremely nice. The guy in front explained things to me in lamens terms when I had questions so I could understand. They showed me the issues while the car was up cause I'm a visual person. I needed a bunch of stuff done to my car but have a trip coming up. They showed me which ones to prioritize and which ones can wait till we get back. Very good place to get your car looked at.

  M Simba
11 months ago
Anthony was very professional and timely on getting a car repaired for us. I have known Anthony for many years and he will always treat you with respect and do good work. If your in McHenry I highly recommend Merlin for all your automotive repairs and maintenance. Great job guys !!!Service: Auto interior vacuumingService: Auto interior vacuuming

  Lori Krapf
a year ago
Steer away! They are well overpriced and will not stand behind their work! I had front brakes done on my daughters car in may of 2022 and here we are April 2023. Less than a year and mind you my daughters car, so it doesn t get many miles out on it. Her front and rear brakes are locked up. They would cover the front brakes under warranty but not labor. Mind you I spent $1500 (overcharged) less than a year ago and now wanted another $430 for labor. Absolutely not. Then quoted me $1600 for brakes in the rear, NO THANK YOU! I m taking elsewhere which this other place has done much work for me and never have issues with them and they have a 2 year warranty and stand behind 100%! Screw you Merlins, I hope you go out of business yet again!Service: Auto brake repair

  Sara Waddelow
9 months ago
Had a low tire warning light come on just outside of McHenry with about an hour left in my drive. Stopped at Merlin and they were so nice. Filled up the tire right away and did not charge me anything.

  Jennie Mueller
2 years ago
I used to love going here about two owners ago. The owner was kind and talked to me and did not take advantage of me. When the place sold to a new owner I stopped going as the people talked down to me and the service was poor. Recently, I had an urgent repair that needed to be done and tried again after my usual mechanic not being able to fit me in. I pretty much new what the issue was and due to a road trip wanted it fixed so I did not break down. The people were nice but I got taken advantage of with pricing. They claimed they used "every discount possible" but the cost of the repair was about $400 more then it should have been and my national accounts discount was not applied either. They were kind enough to run a code detection on another car of mine so I decided to give them a chance. Well, once again, they were way out of line. Not only did they charge me twice the rate as my usual place for the diagnostic ($68 vs $125) but the cost of the repair was three times what it should have been. From Google I got an overall repair cost of $396.00. The part they quoted me was for $900.00 and if you look at Auto Zone it is only $300.00 for the most expensive part. I know they need to make their money but three times the part amount is crazy!! I immediately called my usual mechanic and they are going to do the repair for $400.00 which Merlin wanted to charge $1297.00. That is a CRAZY HIGH difference. Yes, they are nice and convenient but I have to watch every penny I spend and there is no way that I will get taken advantage of a second time.Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Lil' Dave
11 months ago
Firt, if I could give 0 or negative stars I would. In short, there is a reason they were out of business for a period of time. It seems that reason is on going. I had all 4 breaks and roters replaced less than 2 years ago and they ere not installed correctly and now need new breaks and roters for the rear. They admitted fault but insisted I still pay for labor. So now I am in over $1k for a service that I may have not needed in the first place. Stay away.Services: Auto brake repair, Auto brake replacement

  Randy Meadows
11 months ago
Ripped off my wife with an 80.00 oil change. We Use to go here alot,never again. Hope the $ you got from that b.s.80.00 lube job was worth loosing a whole family of customers plus all the other we tell.Service: Oil changeService: Oil change

  Kris Dagens
2 years ago
This place is great! When my tire had slow leak, the manager went out of his way to squeeze me in. I called a Merlin closer to my house, and was told they would not see me that day. When it turned out that I had a nail in my tire, he was sure to order me a new one, at a good price too. It was even ready the next day by 10:00 am. I will definitely drive the extra distance to return here.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, Oil change

  Ed Bukowiecki
2 years ago
TERRIBLE ! Received service in August of 2021 for exhaust manifold. From the beginning Mgr Jeff was saying bolts commonly break and have to be drilled out. One bolt did break. They started by telling me they were getting parts. Then it was the didn t have the proper drill. I had to loan them one of mine. Then they were waiting on a more skilled mechanic.Well with the more skilled mechanic, drilling out the hole, he drilled through the water jacket in the head. Truck lost all the antifreeze last week.Now needs a new cylinder head because of their skilled mechanics. Vehicle is now at the dealer waiting on parts with a 3900 dollar bill. Talked to the current mgr Tim last Thursday and he stated there is nothing he can do and he will try calling his superiors. With that said, no calls from anyone in the company higher than Tim. What a mistake it was to go there! Be careful of complex repairs done at this site.Services: Exhaust, Engine repair

  Cory Tesch
3 years ago
Just brought my car in for a bunch of problems.These guys work fast and efficiently my car was done quick.They worked with you on prices and provided excellent customer service, I worked retail for 5 years dealt with customers everyday, these guys are the real deal and know how to treat a customer!A special shout out too Eric gscheidle great attitude, real people person!

  Chloe Amelse
2 years ago
The staff at Merlin were very accommodating and kind. Jeff is awesome and helped me out a lot with my car, as I had a couple of serious repairs that I needed to get done. Jeff even took me into the garage to show me the physical pieces from my car that had gone bad, going into detail as to why they had to be removed and replaced. Great communication! I ve had poor experiences in the past with auto shops and poor communication, so these guys set the bar really high. They also have a Kohl s cash type of reward system where they give you money to spend the next time you come in. 10/10 service :)Services: Exhaust, General repairs & maintenance

  Bea Rodriguez
6 years ago
Eric, John, Rick and all of the staff at this location are AWESOME! They have taken care of my car needs many times and have always been honest and helpful. I have continued to bring my car there because I trust them. It's not easy to find representatives who are really honest but here they have offered lots of good advice to help me maintain my car without being pushy. I would rate this location a 10! They are customer friendly and I would recommend them to anyone and everyone!

  Austin Coolidge
3 years ago
Service: This place has amazing customer service. They are quick, efficient, and extraordinarily friendly. After they did an oil change they took me into the shop to point out the next maintenance things for my car. They weren't pushy, instead they were kindly informative. I worked a lot with Eric, the customer service guy, he was amazing! He took the time to help with part numbers for work I wanted to do myself. Eric is the reason I will be returning to this spot, give that man a bonus!Covid: The team did not adhere to covid suggestions very well. Social distancing is hard to achieve when pointing out the finer details of a car. The manager, Eric, did a great job wearing his mask the whole time

  Nathan Allen
3 years ago
No faults at all on the actual oil change and inspections. They did excellent work. That's where the good experience ends however. The person at the counter was polite and helpful, but I had an appointment at 9am this morning for a general oil change and the 12k mile service. I left at 11:40am. They let someone come in and take over my appointment slot, and I had to apparently wait over an hour before my car was even serviced. Also, as someone with an auto-immune disorder, it was very concerning on how the staff treated the mask mandate. The person who helped me at the counter was diligent. The other employees and the people in the back were walking in and out of the lobby without wearing masks. They also allowed a customer in the lobby to wait with without a mask before he just left because the wait after about 30 minutes. Overall, I probably won't be visiting this location not because of quality of work, but because of the professionalism and lack of concern for the safety of their customers.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change

  Bella B
a year ago
Tim is nice and friendly easy to speak with but everyone else forget it. I have no idea why they hired the new guy but my vehicles will not be back in their shop. After reading through these reviews my story is going to be very similar. Price gouging. Took in the volvo to have it looked at and an oil change. The guy called and said it would be $2500 to repair the ignition coils and spark plugs. The parts to order is $300. We called serval shops and all said quoting the repairs to be about $700 but less than $1k total glad that Merlins now runs their business off price gouging. We won't be back.Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle safety inspection, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Kelleigh Schafer
2 years ago
Very nice gentleman all of them that I ve dealt with. Came here to get an oil change when I just moved to town and haven t even thought twice about going to another place. They are quick and honest they show you in the shop what s going on and are willing to work with you on prices!! Definitely coming back for all of my car necessities.Services: Tires, Battery, Oil changeServices: Tires, Battery, Oil change

  Jackie Butler
6 years ago
I had great and quick customer service. Told us about our car and showed us what was going on and needed to be fixed. They are very caring for the customers who come in I witnessed that while waiting! Great customer service done by every employee. They keep a conversation with you and they are not pushy with getting certain things done and is very informative on the life spans and warranties involved. I would recommend anyone to come here and get your vehicle looked at! Best service i've ever had while being at a auto repair facility ! Eric the manager was a gentlemen and told us everything we needed to know. They are very personable and get to know you on a friendly level. They treat you more then just a customer. Thank you all again for great service you provided us with today!

  Daniel Rohe
2 years ago
Jeff & his team are AMAZING!! We recently bought a used car and ended up having some issues. We brought it to Jeff to get it checked out & he only fixed what needed fixing-we were not over charged or upsold for additional services. Once we got the car back we had some other issues(not related), called Jeff, and he had us bring it back the next day. He and his team got it back in, fixed the problem, and again, no upcharges! They are honest, friendly and trustworthy. They give fair prices and there is no other place we will go. Jeff is in the business to keep your family safe on the road, not clean out your wallet! Thanks for taking care of us guys!!Services: Steering & suspension repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Wheel alignment, Brakes

  leslie jasper
3 years ago
I went in to get some work done on my car. Not only did they do an amazing job, Eric was kind enough to give me a ride to my sisters so I didn't have to wait in the waiting area. He was very friendly and we talked the entire ride like we had been friends for years. I highly recommend taking your car here. To them you aren't just a dollar sing. They actually care about you and are happy they get to help

  FollowerofJesus Peace
5 years ago
This is the only shop in town I trust when it comes to the upkeep of my vehicles. The General Manager there is wonderful, he is always a helping hand, and so are the mechanics. This place is very honest, will talk to you about any troubles they find in your car, and give you options. I recommend this shop to everyone. If I could give more then 5 stars I would. Walking in your always greeted and if its busy they still acknowledge your there and let you know it may be a couple minutes. If your looking for honest people to handle your car this is the place you need to go to.

  Dennis Barnes
a year ago
I STRONGLY recommend avoiding this business, until recently i would have sent anyone i could their way, however recently and especially today they try to gouge prices.they more than tripled the cost when i asked for an estimate for replacing coil packs and spark plugs, they told me its was 2500 dollars for two hours of work. i called around asked for an estimate for all 8 plugs and coils to be replaced( because even though i drove the vehicle in they told me all 8 spark plugs and ignition coils were not operating and if you know anything about any car thats bot possible the car would never even run )everywhere else guaranteed me it was under 1000 for parts and labor and quoted me around 700. when i walked in to pay for the oil change and diagnostic i asked for i also asked for a print out of what coils were bad and what codes they got off my car they told me they cant i asked why so high of a price when i have called around and they told me then go there. I asked to have the manager tim call me and the man whos only been there 3 weeks said well thats me now i guess because he wont be back for the better part of a year he hurt his thumb!!!! i asked to have a superior call me he said thats not going to happen !!!!the only way im going back and ive been coming to this merlin exclusively for when i dont have the time or the works basically needs a lift for 8 years I give them my business for all my oil changes and tire work same for my girlfriends car i told her take it there they're trustworthy but this is how im treated ? no im sorry absolutely not the owner had better call me and unless they agree to compensate me somehow with a break on an actual priceServices: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Tire rotations, Engine repair, Oil change

  Chelsea Saucedo
3 years ago
This is the only place i will take my vehicle to! Not only is the service amazing, but the employees are also top notch! Eric was super helpful and honest while explaining all my vehicles needs. He went above and beyond to make my experience effortless! 10/10 would highly recommend for any and all vehicle maintenance!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Oil change

  londa E
5 years ago
Very friendly service. Can't believe that it took me this long to find a great place for an oil change! I'm here to stay! Danny thank you for taking care if my vehicle. I came in the day before and just knew I had to bring my second vehicle in today! Erick your running a great business! Keep up the awesomeness!A new customer for life,Yolanda

  Jessica Rechtoris
5 years ago
Eric and his staff are amazing! My car needed TONS work done and I knew it was going to take some time with it. The staff worked hard and they kept me up to date with everything that is going on. I had certain concerns with my brakes, and turned out I didn't need them done right away. Saved me money there. I trust this shop and staff to know my vehicle is in great hands. Forever family customer. Thanks merlin McHenry for making a safer vehicle for my family!!!

  slawek k
4 years ago
Owner was very nice and professional. Quick and superb service. I will definitely go back there with my cars.Update! I am very disappointed. I made appointment today morning for tires change on my cargovan (I am plumbing contractor) and left work 3 hrs earlier to get there. I told Anthony that I do have loaded transit 250 and he said it's fine (even 15 min before my arrival) . Once I got there hes like "sorry we do not have room unless you unload everything from your van". Serioulsy?! I do not have time for that ! My wife was going to pick me up and make appointment to service her car but she decided not to go there anymore

  Mary Wilhelm
4 years ago
Got a flat tire on our way from St. Louis to McHenry on Christmas day and took it into Merlin the next day to see if we could get the tire patched. They got to my car right away and were able to patch the tire. When I was ready to pay, they told me that they weren't going to charge me because they were empathetic of our situation since we were out of town. Fast, friendly service. Would definitely recommend.

  Pvs Phone
2 years ago
I didn't want to stop here, because I went to the one in Fox Lake On rt12 years ago. I had noise comming from the front and they told me everything was OK . So I drove back to Chicago but the wheel bearing was bad come to find out. So I really didn't want to stop but it was time for a oil change so I did. The service guy said I need cabin air filter and a air filter. Also said I'm leaking oil. So went to my regular mechanic in Wilmot he checked and said everything is OK no leaks air filter is brand new and there isn't a cabin air filter for my vehicle. So again I would not trust anything these people say. Stay away crooks. They must be owned by same people.

  John Sundberg
2 years ago
My daughter in-law had a nail in her tire I sent her over there to get a plug in tire. They saw a 9 month pregnant woman with zero. Ar knowledge. And tried to take advantage of it. Went from needing a plug in tread to can not plug it and needs a 200 plus dollar tire. Well she called my wife instead of me and my wife called Goodyear across the street bought a 80 dollar tire and had them deliver it to Merlin and put it on her car. I'll be we return to Merlin again or refer them. Instead I'll tell everyone to go to Goodyear for great service.