Carlin's Automotive Repair & Service

Reviews

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

  Zac G
5 months ago
Awesome shop! Had a set of cams installed and a wideband gauge. These guys did a great job and I love how the car sounds and drives. I highly recommend.

  Tim Tr.
a year ago
Quite pricey but great and reliable mechanic work.I had my oil changed and a few things engine related done here.Their service is excellent and I trust them.Heard lots of great comments from local friends who have been using this shop.

  Tony Huang
5 years ago
Here is to share my story and show my heartfelt appreciation to Carlin and his colleagues.Two weeks ago on my road trip from Toronto to Houston, my car hit blown truck tire debris on the highway to Little Rock at night. The A/C stopped working soon after this. It sounded everything else worked fine. After tolerating the extreme heat in Texas for two days and stopped at Dallas, I decided to take my car to check whether the A/C could be fixed right away. Upon a Google search, I was fortunate to find Carlin s Auto near my hotel.Upon a professional and detailed check, Carlin and his colleagues fully explained what had happened that night after hitting a tire debris. The A/C pipe was twisted and leaking out all refrigerants. The car radiator was loosened and not properly attached any more. To be worse, the coolant was leaking through the radiator. They provide professional options about how to prioritize and fix the damages as per their risks involved and why. All were also planned to expedite the repairs in order to accommodate my current road trip.I am glad I fully accepted their professional advice and managed my original trip plan to stay one more day in Dallas to have all fixed. This does provide a maximum level of comfort when I continued my trip to Albuquerque NM, Page CO, Las Vegas NV and return Toronto ON two days ago. None of A/C and radiator issues exist any more.Thank you Carlin and your colleagues. Your professional and quality service is really appreciated!BTW, the community and the park very close to Carlin s Auto are scenic and quiet. There is even a group of wild monk parakeets. Also there is a library there. You would not be bored if you are waiting for car service.

  Kathee Vander Zanden
4 weeks ago
The best mechanic in Duncanville. We live in WI now, but get our truck worked on while visiting.

  Andy Grosh
a year ago
Contacted Carlin when my front driver's side control arm broke while driving in D'ville. Had the car towed to his garage, and he was able to replace the lower control arms, shocks, and ball joints quickly and properly. They were honest, and kept me in the loop with progress, and treated me fairly. Definitely recommend using this mechanic.Service: Steering & suspension repair

  Lamont Jackson II
3 years ago
Took my car to Carlin s after a different shop gave me a bogus assessment. They gave me an accurate assessment and fixed my car in a timely manner. The service was good, and they re friendly. They don t have shade tree mechanic prices, but you can trust the quality of the work they do..

  Debbie Chang
5 years ago
Posted December 5, 2014. I've been taking my car to Carlin's for years, and they are without question an honest mechanic. They're always courteous, timely, and do exactly what they say they will do. Their invoices are detailed and clear, and they take the time to answer my questions and concerns. Their prices are good for quality work (though for some "beater" cars, you can find cheaper alternatives), and as far as I can tell they haven't increased by much if at all over the last 7-8 years. They also saved me money when an unscrupulous tire place wanted to replace the ball joints in my car (they are fine to this day). When they need to keep a car overnight or over the weekend, they provide rides home or loaner cars at no additional cost. The level of service that Carlin's provides is an excellent value.

  roof remodel
2 years ago
THEY RIPPED ME OFF!! My battery kept dying on my car so I took it to c.a.r.s. They said they would fix it. They kept it over a month, said they fixed the issue and rewired other stuff. I got a huge bill of $1,400. The next day I went to turn on my car and it's dead. They didn't fix the issue and said that it was not covered. So I paid $1,400 and still have the same problem. The were very unorganized and unprofessional. I would never recommend anybody to go here.Service: Electrical repair

  S Flores
3 years ago
Took in my jag for brakes and had no issues. It was less than what was quoted. The owner knows his cars and does a great job of ensuring quality repair and customer satisfaction. The entire staff is friendly and welcoming. They give you estimates before work done. They do their best to work for the customer's intrest. I will definitely be back.

  Nicole Welling
8 years ago
I took my car into Carlin ' s because it was making strange noises. They were kind enough to agree to see me without an appointment and when I arrived they took the time to fully explain everything to me so I felt as though I had enough information to make an informed decision about my car and the repair. Long story short Just Brakes had incorrectly installed my back pistons three weeks previous. Carlin showed me the damage, explained how it happened, and saved the parts so I could take them back to Just Brakes to have my money returned. They were personable and had fair prices. I would highly recommended them to anyone looking for an honest and good priced repair shop.

  T. Davenport
3 years ago
UPDATE: After learning of my extreme disappointment, Carlin absorbed the cost and rectified the problem that was the source of my complaint. I have air now! Original Complaint: Following the initial diagnosis, which I was charged $125 for, I agreed to the cost of repairs. After the repairs were in process, I received a phone call that the job would cost $500 more than I was quoted. I agreed to the increase; however, after I picked up my vehicle, the "repair" stopped working within two hours. I returned the vehicle that supposedly was repaired with a warranty only to be advised that I would be charged an ADDITIONAL $800 to actually fix the problem. Long story short, I paid $1100, and my car has the same problem I brought it in with. If you don't have money to donate toward the continuance of unethical business practices, you should avoid Carlin's Cars.Service: Air conditioning

  Carolyn Clapper
9 years ago
I have been twice to Carlin's. They are always so helpful and friendly, and always explain things so clearly. This time my car needed a realignment done. Since they don't do realignments, they took it to a place that does, and that saved me having to take my car in another time. I really appreciated that. They are honest and I feel like I can trust them to do a good job and to not invent work to make more money.

  AJ Conant
9 years ago
If you are looking for a trustworthy mechanic who gets the job done right with fair pricing, look no further. Carlin and his crew explain what is going to be done and do an excellent job. They care about the customer by providing excellent customer service. Every time they have worked on my car I have been completely satisfied. They have even given me a ride to my residence so I didn't have to wait at the shop!

  David Underwood II
4 years ago
Full disclosure: I used to work here a few years ago but was disabled (Non work related). I have been house bound and the battery ran down to nothing and my 1999 BMWs computer "got stupid" and would not start even with a jump. Carlin sent a couple of techs to get it, charged the battery, Cleared the monitors and took it for a State Inspection after making sure it would pass. They were EXTREMELY reasonable as far as the price and very helpful taking it for an inspection. When I worked there I tried to make each customer feel special in one way or another and I was very happy to get that kind of treatment myself.

  Amy Southerland
4 years ago
Carlin and his guys are honest and friendly. I have used this shop for years and for multiple cars. He is willing to go out of his way to be helpful and will tell you the truth. His service is not cheap but it is worth it. I don't plan to go anywhere else.

  Bob H
9 years ago
Carlin's provides excellent service with honesty and integrity. I have taken my Camry there regularly since returning to Duncanville and have always been happy with the work and the price. The knowledgeable, patient and friendly staff will let me know what things are urgent and what things can wait, so I can make the best decisions for my situation.

  Just Add Pepper
8 years ago
C.A.R.S. is a one of a kind auto repair shop. I have never ever experienced the warm "family" atmosphere that Carlin's has, at least not in a comparable business! I have been a customer for many, many years and have always been treated with respect. Carlin and his employees have gone the extra mile for me and my family many times. From loaner car to honest, clear explanations of mechanical issues, to a clean environment, to phone calls to let me know estimated cost of repairs as well as updates on occasions when additional repair issues were found, all the personnel at Carlin's have been wonderfull!

  Lyndy Rizy
9 years ago
My family has used Carlin's Automotive Repair and Service for quite a few years and we have never been disappointed. They are honest and reliable.I appreciate that they call you and let you know the estimated cost of the repairs before they dive into the job.

  Beth Brye
9 years ago
Carlin's always provides good service. They have 9-10 bays so we are never kept waiting for long, or if more time is needed for the repairs they offer a loaner car. They always provide us with a list of what needs to be done so we can decide what we can afford. And afterward, if we have questions, they will provide a thorough explanation--if not by the individual who did the work, then by the manager himself. And as a bonus, they have a nice waiting area where the customer can enjoy an individually brewed cup of coffee!

  mikaela bookman
4 years ago
As a poor college student I can confidently say that their prices are more than reasonable. They have never taken advantage of me. They have always been understanding and up front. Most importantly, my car runs better than when I bought it which is saying something, because they are both well over200,000 miles.

  Everette Robertson
9 years ago
Very polite, friendly, and honest. Up-front pricing, and they do a very thorough job of investigating problems. They give honest quotes and do not perform any repairs without asking first. I highly recommend Carlin's for all automotive issues.

  Stephen Hubel
9 years ago
The personnel who work here are very friendly and helpful. From the moment I walked in the office, I felt like family. I could tell my car was in safe hands with the mechanics. The price they quoted me was right on target and they fixed the problem quickly and I had my car back the next day. (depending on what's wrong with your car and what parts they have to order, you could get it back the same day). They even let me use a loaner car while mine was being worked on. I highly recommend this shop.

  J-MAN 78
8 years ago
Best Automotive repair around. Competitive pricing and honest. They fix only what needs to be fixed but will make recommendations on other things they find. I have been going to them for years and they have never done me wrong. In fact I live 45 minutes away from their shop and make the drive when I need anything done to my vehicles.

  Chuck Liesch
9 years ago
I've brought my vehicles to Carlin's for many years now. I've found him honest punctual, and charges a fair price. Carlin is pretty straight up about giving advice as well. My cars come back clean without oil or grease stains in the interior. I highly recommend Carlin's CARS.

  Jane Pappenhagen
6 years ago
I had car trouble on a Saturday, so I took my car to a shop open on Saturday. My check engine light was on. They did some things to the tune of $800 and got the check engine light to turn off. But a week later it came on again! So, I took it back to them. They called me and said I needed a whole new engine for $7K! I picked up my car and drove it straight to Carlin's. They changed some spark plug wires and ignition wires and my engine is running just fine. All for a very fair price and guaranteed work:-) Be patient. Wait until Monday if your car has trouble on the weekend and take it to Carlin's.

  Wesley Basinger
10 years ago
I was initially referred here by friends. Carlin's gets very high marks for honesty, courtesy, and cleanliness. Each time I've had work done, the problem was resolved. Labor is done in a timely manner, and the mechanics are very good about communicating throughout the process. However, this is not a "cheap" place to get work done. Expect to pay reasonable labor rates and prices for quality parts. I will continue to use Carlin's for all my future auto repairs.

  A Riz
4 years ago
Took car in for issue with a/c. Diagnostic came out to $150. Picked car up but young lady at front said her manager had to call me to tell me what was wrong and that he would call in a few days. This did not make any sense to me. I got a call the following week and and they said they think it might be 1 of 2 things. So I paid 150 for them to tell me they don't really know what's wrong. I obviously did not spend any further money and would not recommend this business as it does not seem to be run very professionally.

  Tricia S.
7 years ago
We've been taking our cars to Carlin's (C.A.R.S.) for 20+ years. You will not find a more honest mechanic in DFW. These guys are not only honest,but good at what they do, clean about their work (your car will not be covered in grease when you get it back) excellent communicators, (Carlin is very good about letting you know exactly what is going on with your car. No surprises on the bill) and very friendly and courteous. The office and the waiting room are nice, clean areas with wifi and soda or water. We will not take our vehicles anywhere else.

  David Johns
10 years ago
Been taking cars to Carlin and his team at C.A.R.S. for years. I recently took my wife's car in for its annual checkup, and found a few repairs that needed done. They did what I could afford to pay for, and I'll be taking the car back to finish the other things. They are always honest about what needs done, they do quality work, and won't gouge you on price.

  David Bradley
9 years ago
This is an honest automotive shop. The owner is the child of Christian Missionaries.Carlin's handles the maintenance and repairs for all the center vehicles on the Wycliffe Bible Translators campus here in Duncanville.He does not give his service away, but the prices are competitive (I have price checked them with another local vendor) and most importantly, he is honest about what needs to be done.I highly recommend them!