Merlin Complete Auto Care

Reviews

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

  Cole Goforth
6 months ago
They got it quicker than anyone else.Did the bare minimum, $700 for a starter... Touched nothing else then had the audacity to act as if it were my fault that they all decided to go home 2 hours early two days in a row.Wouldn't come back, won't be back.

  Erica Allison
a month ago
Kenny and the guys are always helpful and find ways to better our vehicle service experience.

  Erika Williams
a year ago
About a month ago, I visited Merlin's to have some problems with my steering/suspension fixed. Within 24 hours of drop off I had my car back and it was good as new. I waited awhile to post a review just to make sure everything stayed okay on my car, and so far so good. They replaced my front suspension, repaired a tie rod and replaced the front tires as well. My car went from bouncing so hard it was giving me motion sickness to a smooth ride. It was costly, but the repair cost was on par with other quotes I had received. I took my car in at 1pm on a Thursday and was able to pick it up by 3pm Friday.My only suggestions are to call to book an appointment directly, I tried to book online only for it to never have transferred to the store, but they were very quick to accommodate me. Also double check the hours with the store personnel, like most places I suspect the last two years have created circumstances where they are not always able to fulfill their posted hours.Services: Steering & suspension replacement, Auto maintenance

  joni polier
2 months ago
They were very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be a returning customer.

  Jessica Zamora
11 months ago
Requested a Saturday 8am appointment for an oil change and tire rotation, never got a confirmation that the appointment was set or if it needed to be rescheduled. Drive to the shop to find the doors locked and no signs on the door showing a closed shop. Called twice with no answer. Waited an extra 15 minutes to see if anyone would show up but nothing. Here it says they open at 8am but the door says 7:30 am. Highly disappointed when I ve spent so much money here on my previous cars.

  the pitbull family
10 months ago
I used to think this was a great place until they lied and told me I needed engine mounts replaced...took to someone else and was told I definitely don't need them! they tried getting 900$ out of me for service I didn't need! SCAM artists! Be careful ladies they think we are dumb!Service: TiresService: Tires

  Tim Vande Schraaf
2 years ago
First, I normally just read reviews and have NEVER written a review up until now, I took my Ford van to Martins on Monday of this week to look at my brakes. I was given an estimate of $650. I felt it was high, but I was lured in. I then received a call to let me know I needed new calipers that would be another $300, again I knew I was had. The smart thing would have been to pay them the $60 and cut my losses and go to the Ford Dealership.Then the incompetence started with ordering, reordering, and the reordering parts and I was without a vehicle until Wednesday afternoon. Lesson learned is all businesses may misrepresent themselves through reviews. Do your home work ahead of time. At the end of the day I had to pay $950 for a rear brake job, alignment, and brake bleeding, which I thought should happen anyhow. They certainly didn t think they overcharged because I made the cardinal rule and trusted them. Don t, you have been warned. Needless to say these folks will never, ever get a chance to take my money again.Services: Wheel alignment, Brakes

  crypto
a year ago
Paid for a full synthetic oil change in my subaru - found out a week later that they put the wrong oil filter on (much larger than the old one) and when googling the model it is an oil filter specifically for tradition oil (not synthetic). I can only assume they put traditional oil in my car and charged me for a synthetic oil change.Service: Oil changeService: Oil change

  Adam Proctor
2 years ago
Great Staff and Service!!! My car broke down while visiting from North Carolina. The local Hyundai dealership couldn't get to my car for weeks, so called Merlin. They were able to work on my car the next day!! The repairs were originally going to take 2-3 days, but they got it done by the next afternoon.

  Bryce Hutchinson
3 years ago
Honestly would give 0 stars if possible. In June came in to get my car fixed, it had a code for timing chain stretch. Car still ran completely fine, just decided to get the chain fixed before it became an issue. I bought my own timing chain which they agreed to install. After installing it, the car was having new issues (stalling, loud slapping coming from chain) so I paid more money to have them replace it. This time not using my own parts, I let them order the parts. After roughly 6 weeks and $3100 dollars later, my car no longer runs. Upon receiving my car after paying them the second time, it ran for less than a day. My car came in running, and had to get towed home.Edit 1: So it turns out when they say call the store, they don't mean it! Apparently I'm too naive to realize that its an automatic system that responds to these. When I called the owner told me that he hadn't even looked at the review and that would and he'd get back to me. Its been 2 weeks.If you are looking for someone to destroy your car, this is your place.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair

  Susan Lewis
7 months ago
Went in thinking I d need extensive brake repair due to the awful noise they were making but turned out just to be a stuck rock. They removed the rock at no charge

  Andre Ware
4 years ago
My parents and I have been taking our vehicles to Merlin's for years. I was so disappointed when i had to spend over $2000 dollars to keep my car going. I took my vehicle there to get the brake lines fixed and was told i was going to have to pay $2300.They would not just fix the brake lines without fixing brake pads, rotors, calibers. It was a mess and I did not have any issues with those other things. I told them i was going to go and get a second opinion.I went to pick up my vehicle and the car would not start. I ended up having to get it towed again and found out the battery and the alternator were dead!How does that happen when i had no problems with either of those. and I had already paid them to fix the starter earlier in the year. I started to read the reviews and started noticing a trend and got angry again.It's so hard to find an honest mechanic and we thought we had found them and we were sadly mistaken.My parents experience was similar as they took their vehicle there and was told it was something that wasnt even the problem. They ended up taking it to the dealership and they fixed it.I hope this helps someone and I hope Merlin's can get it together.

  Dawn Mitchell
6 years ago
I've been going to Merlin's for three vehicles now. They have always provided me with great prices and amazing service. I make an appointment for both mine and my husband's vehicle's oil changes and take them in together and they have both cars completed and ready to go in a timely manner. They are pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable and they will continue to have my service in the future.

  Debra Elliott
a year ago
Horrible. Thought we could trust them but I was totally wrong we got took...after getting car worked on 1200 dollars later and things weren't fixed. We ended up taking it to another place in Morton and low in behold things they say they did weren't fixed and it cost not even half of what Merlins did and it's fixed no more problems. Do not take your cars here. You will get ripped off..if I could give no stars I would

  Tasha The Bitch Queen
3 years ago
Amazing customer service. Problems with their scheduling program booked my appointment for the wrong day, and they were unable to be finished when I had originally booked. The manager promised he would take care of it that day and offered to discount the price of my Uber home and back from the final bill of the service. Every staff member I interacted with was very polite, and I was extremely happy with the service done.

  Rob Pavley
3 years ago
Was told over the phone that they could get two rusted out exhaust system studs but I had to bring it in to get an accurate appraisal. Took it in and was told they couldn't do what I needed and they would have to replace two parts for around $400 to fix it!! Neither part was bad, I had crawled under it and checked the whole system out! Bought a small torch set from Menards and had both studs out in less than an hour! A big torch and a lift probably would have taken all of 15 minutes! This place is looking to rip people off. I will never use them for any work and will be posting my experience on social media for all to see!!!

  Sherry Logue
7 years ago
Great service. The manager Kenny goes out of his way, and above and beyond to make sure he gets the job done right. Couldn't ask for better business when it comes to making sure the customer is satisfied! Had a wheel bearing replaced and sounds so quiet now. Will be going back soon to check on new tires from Merlin's! Thank you Kenny

  Michelle Jordan
5 years ago
I ve come to Merlin s quite a few times just for my oil changes But my very last visit was extremely pleasant. A gentleman by the name of Jake helped me and he was extremely helpful and polite! He took the time to explain to me about all the services that are provided there. I ve never had any problems coming there and I can guarantee I will be a lifelong customer now!

  Dan Thompson
7 years ago
Went in for a transmission oil change and the price was clearly marked $109. My wife came in later to pay and they charged $120 + tax for a total of 128 but lied and said the difference was all tax. I later went in to get a refund and they were apologetic but, they clearly lied and took advantage of my wife. I'm very reluctant to return if I can't trust their word.

  SAMUEL QUINONES
9 years ago
I have been coming to Merlin to keep my 2007 Grand Prix in tip top shape. I brought it infor an alignment and a 12K maintenance. I was more than displeased with the results. Thealignment could not be fully done, because they needed another machine. Yet I was still fullycharged for it. On the 12K there were a few problems. The A/C has problems, yet I was not evenmentioned about them when they "checked it". The doors were not lubricated since they still squeakand all I had to do was just simply putt some WD 40 and they no longer squeaked. Now somethingas simply as checking the tire pressure and filling up a tire was not even done. When I checked onmy screen they were all still the same way I had left them. If small things like these were not donecorrectly or even checked there are bigger jobs that are of greater importance to the safety of meand my car that just can not be trusted.

  Ashlee Buchanan
4 years ago
I have been coming to merlins ever since I moved to this area about 6 years ago. They always treat me well and are fast and efficient. They have gone above and beyond to explain any issues and get repairs done quickly. Oil changes are inexpensive and done quickly.

  Christopher Keyes
4 years ago
Extremely fast service. The price point was spot on. Great value. Friendly staff as well as helpful. I dropped the car off and was out the door in minutes with their shuttle service. I went in for a muffler repair and I couldn't be happier with the results. Thank you all so much!

  Bill Wilson
2 years ago
Had a rattling noise that was very annoying on my truck. Took my truck to Merlin in East Peoria and within 20 minutes Kenny and his team had diagnosed the problem to a broken bushing on my rear shock. An hour later I was on my way with no more rattle! They have earned my future business!!!Service: Steering & suspension repairService: Steering & suspension repair

  Erica Lawrence
5 years ago
This place is a joke and way too over priced. I asked the manager Kenny to check the steering wheel for a short in the turn signal wires. The turn signals worked but would short out. Their first mistake was lying to my husband and I about the cost of the job. Saying one minute it would be close to 300 with the diagnostic price then next minute saying it will be 500 dollars. Second mistake was telling me to my face when I go to get the vehicle that they did not do the diagnostic test on the vehicle cause the turn signals were working. When I told them to check for the shortage in the turn signals earlier. Third was keeping my vehicle from 8am to 3pm and not calling me when it was ready. After I requested they call me because my husband was at work. DO NOT TAKE YOUR VEHICLE HERE! They are scammers and liars. If you do take your vehicle there(I pray you don't) always get paperwork for anything there.

  Sonia Contreras
7 years ago
Absolutely terrible place! Didn't even want to give it one star but I had to in order to leave a review . Drove my trailblazer there one day and they diagnosed the problem and said it would take a couple days. I had no worries because I had the cash that they estimated to fix it. After 4 days I had to keep calling them to see if they were done and they kept telling me it would be another few days and more stuff kept coming up that was causing problems. After a month and a half ( no exaggeration) i call and the manager says sorry ma'am but we cant fix your vehicle!!! When i get there, my truck is not even driveable and i had to have Tony n Sons tow it to their shop where within an hour they informed me my motor was blown up. Very inexperienced staff and ive know numerous people who have also had terrible experiences since mine. Surprised they are not shut down yet.

  Donal Devine
7 years ago
I have had great experiences at other Merlins locations, but this place is a joke!After making an appointment, left my car at 9 am for exhaust repair, I got no phone calls with a status of the repair, by 6 pm it had not been started, with no explanation or apology. Took my car to another shop, and the exhaust repair, which was so minor, that it was done in 5 minutes at no charge.

  Rebecca Wuthrich
5 years ago
I have used Merlin for the past 5 or so years when i need car repairs and have always referred them to anyone asking about car repair places. When i noticed my car was leaking fuel, i didnt hesitate taking my car to Merlin because i always trust they are honest and fair! I received the quote of $720 to repair the rusty fuel lines, so i approved the fee and asked they change the oil too while it was there. They said it would be completed by end of day, so i stopped by at 545 to pick up my car. Kenny had already left, so the other guy was ringing me up. I gave him a coupon for a $20 oil change and he said dont worry about it, we arent going to charge you for it. I asked if he was sure it was done and he said yes. The total he said was $800, which was $80 more than the original quote. I had him call Kenny and i guess they didnt apply a disscount to my bill (?) and it brought it down to $730 (still $10 more, but i can deal with that). Next day i checked my oil since i was concerned it wasnt completed and the oil looked dark and was on the minimum spot on the dipstick. I called and talked to Kenny and told him my concern. He said he knows it was completed and was checking on it. I told him it was a qt low and dark, i didnt think it was done. He then said oh we had another car in with the same issues, so your oil wasnt changed. Since it wasnt on the original qork order they didnt completeit.hHe Never apologized or tried to even make it right... , i am sooo disappointed.... if i didnt question it i would have assumed it was done. What else do they lie about or try and cover up?? Such a disappointment, i will not recommend again....

  Sarah Stokoe
8 years ago
Worst service I have ever received. About a month ago, I went and got my oil changed. They were close by so I thought I would give them a try. The man I talked to was polite and all was going well until he asked me if I wanted to upgrade my service to get my tires rotated, wipers replaced, and filter changed. I thought sure, why not. I probably did need those things done anyway. I sat and waited patiently for them to finish. They pulled my car out into the parking lot and gave me the keys. I notice that something was wrong as soon as I put my foot on the gas. everything was wobbling. I got out, looked at the guy and he gives me a dumb look. I say, didn't you notice that my cars felt weird when you drove it out to me. He said no, is it acting funny? I open the door for him to drive it. He gets out. Oh yeah he didn't put the nuts back on your car. (Oh! and you were going to let me drive away like that!) I didn't say that but I should have. the nice manager guy comes back out and looks a little embarrassed. He tells me that the guy working on my car was in a rush to leave and probably forgot to put the bolts back on. He apologizes profusely and offers me a free oil change next time I come in. My car was still making a weird noise after I left but I didn't care I was too upset to be there any longer. I should have fought him on this. Skip forward to today. The noise was getting louder and louder on my way home from work and I can feel my left wheel wobbling. I slow down and turn on my hazards. when I was in a safe spot I pulled over to check my tires. two of my bolts were missing from my tire. one was laying on the ground when I got out and appeared to be broken. I went to a different mechanic and he'll have to look at it tomorrow. I'm so upset right now. I should have never taken my car there. oh! and one of my wipers isn't working. Not sure if that was them but they did touch it so I can only presume. Any advice as to how I should go about this situation legally? Let me know!

  Bmo810
3 years ago
When I say friendly, I mean friendly. You tell them what you need and it gets done. They also offer much more than oil changes. Stop in say hi to Kenny (he owns the place) and get some work done the prices are great.

  Orca Jr.
3 years ago
After doing business with other auto shops this is by far the worst I have been to. If you like getting charged almost double what others charge while people who look like they are addicted to meth work on your car this is the place for you. Do yourself a favor and go anywhere else or get overcharged.