Smith's Service Center
4.6 (138)
4313 Nakoosa Trail, Madison, WI 53714
(608) 241-1232
smithservicecenter.com
Claimed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Jenny Bright
2 months ago
A lifelong friend recommended Smith s to me last year. He s been taking his cars there for many years. The place has a cool vibe, it s very clean - esp for an automotive place, the owner s dogs hang out with them in their office, and the employees, well, they re the best! You are treated respectfully, they don t take advantage of you when you don t know anything about cars, they explain things thoroughly, and they have very competitive pricing. They have loaner cars. I have a unique situation that they have no problem accommodating, which would ve been a deal-breaker for me. The owners and their employees are down-to-earth, understanding, very nice, and can be extremely funny too. A shout-out to GUCCI 2! GUCCI 1 & 1.5 out. PS: my car is now running great and i can even see out of the windows too!
Kenny Hyllberg
4 weeks ago
Recently moved to the area and needed to check my tire valve. Rang up another shop and they said they wouldn't be able to see me for another week. Called Smith's and they said I could come right then and there. They took care of the tire valve no problem. Ended up scheduling an oil change too because of the good impression. Plus, they had some family dogs in the office!
Heidi Hodel
3 months ago
My sister needed her oil changed and tires rotated, I was along for the ride. Scott and Eric kept us company while we waited, lots of laughs and random convos. Really cute customer service driven Midwestern shop. I've never heard of them before, but I will for sure take my vehicle there when it needs service. I also loved hearing a phone call informing a customer they will be getting a $100 Visa gift card for rebates on tires and how they were greeting several customers by name.
Tom Koren
5 months ago
Been loyal to them for years for personal and business vehicles. Poor service lately including lies to my wife and when caught they lied again saying the owners weren t there to talk to me on the phone. My wife was in waiting room, both the owners and their son were there when I was asking. Never received the call back I requested.
c schank
7 months ago
Smith s Service Center was able to fix my tire without an appointment when we had car issues passing through town. Very professional and their shop was spotless. Highly recommended for all auto needs.
Dustin Martinson
7 months ago
2 tours in Afghanistan. Walked in to needed them to loosen a screw that was loc tightened on a non essential part. I was super nice, stating I had a weird question, tech was super rude, then I go into the office and ask them if it s possible they could help me out. Mind you this is a 15 second job. Maybe a minute and a half total? He stated he didn t have anyone available. I offered $10-$20 as it was my gfs car and she lives half a block away. He seemed like something maybe became available, I then proceed to get yelled at by a woman in the back office. 3 people in that office made me feel like I was the crazy one, when I just needed a hand and would of paid them quite considerably for something so minuscule. I said thanks, appreciate the help a bit sarcastically at this point (but nothing crazy)as I was a bit frustrated with how they were treating me, walk out and they come to the window like I was stealing from them. I was embarrassed. All over a screw on a clamp. This is what I get.
Chase Fritz
4 days ago
Got the work done quickly and had good customer service
Kitt Draheim
a year ago
(downgrade from previous 4 star rating)Thought they were a great shop & had been using them for many years. Everything from tires & oil changes to replacing an engine in our '96 Jeep.After a friend's suggestion, I took my vehicle to Parks in Deforest for a second opinion recently and was FLOORED by how much more we were being charged at Smith's on many services.
sandra montello
3 years ago
After repeated problems, issues and incorrect advice from other mechanics a local auto body shop recommended Smith's. From the beginning I knew they were different, that they weren't using my ignorance about cars to jack up the bill, that they had knowledge and expertise. Now it's been over 15 years and I won't let anyone else touch my car. Their loaner cars have made my life so easy, their partnership with Goodyear has been awesome and paying my bill 6 months same as cash has alleviated the stress of unexpected repairs. My priority is safety over price which they have consistently provided, so I have no idea how their prices rank against other mechanics and have no need to find out. I have the security of knowing I'm not alone on the road - Ron, Diane, Scott, Brian and the rest of the staff have my back.
Dick Marten
a year ago
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They always explain what work needs to be done in a dialog that is ready to understand. They also let you know what upcoming work will be required. I've been going to Smith's for 30+ years and have extremely pleased with their service.
Valerie Vang
2 years ago
My first impression of this place was high as it is clean and the staff were able to help right when I walked in. After leaving my car to have them check a noise coming from the front I became a little skeptical as they seemed unsure of what the problem was initially. They had me come back to the shop to take a drive with one of their techs to see if I could pin point the noise. I asked the tech if they had even took a look at the car to see if there was anything odd and they said they did but was still not sure.After leaving the shop for the second time I felt unsure if this was the place I should had brought my vehicle to. And clearly not. They called saying I needed my struts in the front changed and that it would cost $1,100!!!! At first I almost said yes but then I called around and other places are only charging no more than $700!!! That to me is ridiculous. Also the parts online cost no more than $400! so they were basically looking at charging $700 for labor? on top of their $75 to just have the car looked at.I defiantly understand that during this pandemic prices may be going up but if I am calling around and asking other local mechanics about this same repair and the pricing are drastically different that is defiantly a huge no for me. I am disappointed and will not feel comfortable with coming here again.I would not recommend this place to anyone else.
Julie Guess
6 years ago
Smith's is a great service center. I always trust that the work will be done correctly the first time. The cost of repairs is very reasonable (lower than some dealerships). Brian takes the time to explain in plain language what needs to be done. And when I pick up my car, we review the bill and I have the chance to ask any questions. Smith's (owners and employees) is terrific.
Anne Houy
3 years ago
Very surprised and pleased with how I was treated here. No matter what was going on they always gave me a call to let me know any updates. They were upfront with me about an estimate I got somewhere else where they quoted me things I didn t actually need. I was lucky enough that Eric picked up the phone when I scheduled my appointment. He was so helpful and informative throughout the process. I will definitely be coming here for my oil changes, tire alignment and any other repair I might needServices: Tires, Auto engine diagnostic, Wheel alignment, Battery
Christopher Harold
6 years ago
We ve been working with Smith s for a few years, and never had to doubt the quality. Their technicians know their craft, and the front desk/customer service is always helpful, informative and attentive. Make no mistake, it s never great hearing that you have to spend sudden, unexpected money to keep your vehicle in check; however, I feel it s best to have professionals doing so, and I trust Smith s Auto to make it happen. Special thanks to Bryan for keeping me informed up and beyond throughout various repairs- is noted, and respected. If any form of management is reading this, please give Bryan a raise.
Matt Lasiuta
5 years ago
I cannot say enough good about Scott and the crew at Smith's. I was with my family on a road trip from Minnesota to Detroit when we had a wheel bearing go out at 11:30 at night. I was towed in the next morning and got there right at 7am when they opened. I cannot be more impressed with how I was treated from the moment I got there. They got me in right away, were very honest and did everything they could to make me comfortable. On top of this their facilities are too notch and of the 6 people that came in during my time I was the only one they did not know by first name. Do not go anywhere else, period. I run a dealership with a service center for a living and I can tell you this is one of the most well run shops I have seen!
Arlene H
2 years ago
Great service. I had a lot of work that needed to me done and it was explained to be in detail. They let me know what was "urgent" and what could wait. After the repairs I knew a lot more about how my car worked then before I brought it in. Scheduling was easy and they had a loaner care available--which was greatly appreciatedServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Oil changeServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Oil change
Joseph Daly
7 years ago
This place (and in particular Brian) is the best car mechanic I have ever worked with. A quick oil change place destroyed my brake system, and this service center explained everything, and they even had the presence of mind to save fluid samples and parts without even being asked to do so. They provided phenomenal customer service throughout the entire ordeal. I asked them to put the repairs on hold and called them numerous times and not once did they lose patience with me. Brian knows his stuff and explains everything in incredible detail. I cannot recommend this place enough, just excellent in every phase of business.
M. L. Gray
2 years ago
Oh my gosh...these folks are WONDERFUL!!! I found a nail and a bolt in two of my tires last night(after hours) and needed them fixed ASAP. I got up early this morning and started calling places. Smith's Service Venter said "sure! Come on in" and got both tires patched and me back on the road in less than an hour and a half! SUPER friendly folks and incredibly reasonably priced work! Plus, they have two Labrador retrievers as shop dogs *bonus points in MY book)! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!Service: Tires
J Johnson
8 years ago
I've been a Smith's customer for over 5 years and they've worked on a variety of my vehicles from imports to domestics, for simple to complex repairs. I have consistently found them to be professional and courteous to work with and top notch in their repair skills. I always feel like I'm getting the straight story on repair work. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for an honest and reliable auto repair shop.
Alison Pearks
6 years ago
Scott and Smith's Service Center provided amazing service. Scott sent me an estimate prior to me dropping off my car, and followed up with a second estimate with options before starting any work. They came in under estimate and on time, provided me a loaner car free of charge while the work was done, and gave me some cookies when I picked up my car. The work is warrantied even though I'll be moving out of the state; they walked me through the process of who to contact if I run into problems. I highly recommend Smith's!!
James Younger
4 years ago
Best automotive service in Madison! My brake line had a leak. They allowed me to bring it in on Friday even though they couldn't look at it until the following week. They let me use it loaner vehicle in the meantime. Turns out the repairs (not only for the brakes) would cost more than I was willing to spend. They even helped with getting the car salvaged. Awesome family business! I have used them for over a year and never had a problem.
insurance training solutions
4 years ago
I moved to Madison in 2001. My car wouldn't start and I called into work in a panic because I didn't know where to take it. Within 15 minutes, 3 people had called me with Smith's number. Now I give it out. They are not the cheapest, but they are the best. They are honest in their pricing and I have never had a "surprise" additional charge. They usually estimate higher than the final bill or right on the nose, and they have free loaners. Take your car here if you need honest help. You won't be disappointed.
Laura Monroe
3 years ago
Literally the best auto service around. They offer a wholistic approach to keeping you on the road. They are very friendly and knowledgeable and do excellent work at pretty reasonable prices. Thank you for everything!Edit: I really like their text alerts and inspection reports with pictures. They text an inspection report after diagnosis that has pictures and, they text you when your vehicle is ready.
Asia Rose
a year ago
These people are DIRTY THIEVES!!! Telling you to fix things that don't need fixing. Over charge. Don't do things they said they did which causes harm to the engine. Lie about what they fixed and come back to your house to steal parts off your vehicle. Don't trust these reviews. Google offers to take negative reviews off for a price. Which they do.
Robbie H
4 years ago
Tried charging over $900 for a service that three other mechanics quoted at $350 or less. Claimed they had to remove A/c compressor and other parts that were not necessary to remove to do repairs to justify the ooutrageous price. After telling them I was taking my vehicle elsewhere they refused to put it back together until after the weekend was over so I was forced to pay for another tow. They tried hard to take advantage of someone who they thought wouldn't know any better. DO NOT RECOMMEND
Jenny K
4 years ago
Scott was super helpful! I was in car wreck last week and needed a 2nd opinion before purchasing a used car. They did a great job on the inspection. Everything was digital. I was really happy with this place. I think I've found a new mechanic.
Ariel Mierendorf
5 years ago
I cannot speak highly enough of this place. As a first time customer and person who knows little about cars but a lot about customer service, Scott has gone above and beyond to make sure I was getting honest and thorough feedback. He called me tow truck while I was stuck at work in the morning and got me into a loner vehicle in 5 minutes to make sure I could get on with my day. He quite literally has been a life saver while I'm dealing with unfortunate circumstances with my vehicle and gave me real suggestions as to what next steps I should take. He been easy to communicate with and very responsive. I cannot recommend them highly enough and I do not take my recommendations lightly.
Imvu Bug_lover
5 years ago
Great place especially if you have a vehicle that has plus size rims. I ve been there plenty of times to play 24 inch tires on my car and there was no other places in Madison that could possibly help me even places that specialize entire service in general. They also have great mechanics and have a friendly family atmosphere not to mention free coffee and water for their customers in their lobby
Neil Anderson
6 years ago
This business is not to be trusted. My wife had work done by this shop a while back, during the process her car was jacked up in their parking lot and a tire was stolen off of her car. Smith's was not willing to take responsibility by their own choice, in fact they gave me a price for a new tire, rim, and balancing. To top it off Smiths male ownership was extremely rude and went so far as to yell at my wife unprovoked when she went in to figure out what to do about the situation. After being a customer for some time both her and I were shocked by how we were treated. Shame on them. Take your money elsewhere, you will be happy you did.
Jenna Goguen
2 years ago
Last night we were driving from Washington State and got to Madison, WI and something went wrong with our steering. So we needed to have it looked at so we could continue driving across the country. They fit us in immediately, found the issue and had the parts ordered and fixed and I was on the road in less than 3 hours!! Absolutely phenomenal service across the board!!Service: Steering & suspension repair