Handel Automotive

Reviews

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

  Malachi
4 months ago
Greg, a mechanic here, is both very rude and very bad at his job. I can handle one or the other, but being rude, and a bad mechanic is unacceptable. Took my car in to get a rear alignment done for the second time at this shop because the first time either didn t last or was never fixed in the first place. The first time, there was a part that needed to be ordered so I had to come back to get the work done, less than a year later the problem had returned. This time when I brought it in for a rear alignment I was told I needed a tie rod and a front alignment in order to do the rear alignment, so I said fine go ahead. When I go to get my car Greg tells me that the rear end doesn t have adjustments for alignment. When I told him I had already had it done here before and was charged for it and we ordered another part to get it done he looked at me like I was an idiot and he wanted to fight me. Linda looked at the computer and pulled up my last visit and verified that it had been done. After bickering back and forth for a little bit about a $370 bill for work I didn t want done in the first place we contacted the owner who was willing to work with me on the price. But GREG was either wrong or lying to me about the alignment in the rear and he was also very rude and aggressive towards me. I m not knocking the shop as a whole but Greg in particular will never touch my car again. Greg gets a 0/5 and the shop gets a 3/5 for causing a headache but also being willing to work with me and talk to me like I m not an idiot, unlike GREG.

  Maria McLaren
3 weeks ago
I have taken two cars to Handel s for purchase inspection. In both occasions they were clear and thorough in their explanations of what was needed.Highly recommend them!

  Melissa Pfohl
5 months ago
We have been going to Handel for over a decade because they always provide great friendly service at excellent prices and have even accommodated last minute or emergency services quickly to get us back on the road. Everyone is so friendly, but especially Bill always brightens our day and provides great explanations about our service needs.

  Craig Mangi
9 months ago
They were able to get me better tires for less money than my car's dealership would have. And they price-match'd them on two other procedures I needed. They've been servicing my vehicles for about 10 years I think. Never had a problem or anything that seemed strange or off. Never had to come back for a repeat job or a second look. They also take the time to explain and show things to me, presenting options. Always friendly and I appreciate that they offer a cookie and a pop while you wait and I feel they are quite timely.

  Joshua Johnson
7 months ago
411 dollars to grease between the brake pads and cylinders to solve a squeaking sound that was from a bent axle. Squeaking was not solved from grease. Turned me away when I called to give them another chance at fixing it because they suggested redoing all my brakes and I told them that wasn't going to solve the issue. Overall, I'm pretty disappointed considering they are fast and friendly. Those things only go so far though.Edit in response to owner: Yes, you guys did do a lot of other work for me. I'm talking about a specific invoice that I felt I was overcharged for. I was told no parts were replaced and the only thing that was done was they were all greased. If something else was done it was not communicated to me. Yes I did do my own brake work but the squeaking was present before and after the brake work which I communicated. I also communicated that I was in an accident and the squeaking was coming from the wheel that had impact. It's two stars because as soon as I said I did my own brake work that was zeroed in on instead of listening to the whole story and considering all the information. As soon as I said no to redoing all my brakes I was told there was nothing that could be done and to take it to a dealer. The dealership immediately diagnosed it as a bent axle and were in disbelief that it wasn't noticed by you guys. I even suggested to you guys in a couple conversations that I thought it was a bent axle but it seemed as soon as I mentioned I did anything myself then that was probably the issue.

  Ryan Genthe
10 months ago
Honest, Excellent ServiceBill & crew are straight shooters, welcoming, and accommodating. I ve brought both of my vehicles here the last several months for regular oil changes, brakes, and misc. every experience has been reasonable and great qualityServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes, Auto tire replacement, Oil changeServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes, Auto tire replacement, Oil change

  Theron Irvin
10 months ago
A friend recommended Handel to me, and it has been an absolute pleasure to do business with them. We came in after being told be the dealership that we needed an expensive repair. Handel took a look and had the opportunity to tell me they needed to do an expensive repair, but instead were honest and told me I had nothing to worry about and explained what was going on truthfully. I also inquired about getting a hitch system installed on my vehicle and they laid out all of the costs and even offered to let me order the parts elsewhere since it would be cheaper for me. I came back for an oil change and nothing extra was marketed to me like filters or anything, and I was simply told that they all looked to be in good shape. Again, this was another opportunity that every other shop I ve been to has tried to upsell me stuff we don t need, that Handel was honest about. I would send an elderly family member to them without fear of them getting ripped off. 10/10 recommend.Services: Steering & suspension repair, Brakes, Oil change

  Justin Pugh
a year ago
I ve been taking my car to Handel for over 6 years. They ve always provided quick, friendly, and professional service at reasonable prices. I m fairly car-savvy but don t have the space to work on my own vehicle. I know Handel is trustworthy because they point out minor issues with my car that I already knew about (but didn t tell them about). They never do it with the intention of upselling me, but rather to make sure I keep an eye on maintenance issues that could develop into more expensive issues later on. It s really difficult to earn my trust and this is one of the few places that has.

  Sara K
11 months ago
Darryl is extremely kind and helpful! He was able to get my car back up and going within a day of me dropping it off.He explained everything very kindly and kept me updated throughout the entire process.Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Auto brake replacementServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Auto brake replacement

  Jack Redell
8 months ago
Fast, friendly, but VERY expensive service. I paid $537 to get my rear brake pads and rotors replaced on a 2012 Honda CR-V. I called Capitol City Auto the following day and they quoted me $300 for parts, labor and taxes on the same job.Service: BrakesService: Brakes

  Gage Trader
a year ago
I've been taking my cars to Handel for about a decade now and that won't change anytime soon. They've done a lot of different services for me, from basics like oil changes and tire rotations to transmission and timing belt replacements. I like the service I get and I fee like they're very up-front and honest about everything.

  Amanda Nehmer
a year ago
I had my 2005 Ford Focus towed to Handel s after what I thought was the tie rod that broke. They checked it out and Bill gave me the bad news about my 17yo companion and it s rusty underside. He explained its slew of current and pending problems on the horizon. Even though the immediate problem had a seemingly reasonable price tag to me (left controller arm rusted through and busted, right on its way to go), the others on the horizon would be more (brake lines, suspension, exhaust), and not including the future unknowns of such an old car. He could have easily sold me on doing the expensive repairs (I held out until the junker tow came), but instead guided me to make the more practical decision to say goodbye. He only charged me for the half hour inspection time and even had taken my plates off for me before I arrived to clean it out.I really appreciated all of Bill s help and knowledge, delivered with a jovial spirit and a booming radio voice that keeps you at ease. I will take my future cars here for service.Service: Vehicle Inspection

  Nicole Hoy
11 years ago
My first visit to them was great. I felt welcomed as soon as I walked through the door. Bill was pleasant throughout the entire process and I didn't feel like I was being talked down to like I have with other garages. Bill was very informative and I will be going back!I had a discrepancy between what my dealership told me and what I felt was the actual issue. A friend of mine had told me that he had been taking his car to Handel for some time and recommended them. After this last issue with the dealership, I finally decided it was high time to get a second opinion.I brought in with me the report of the dealership and Bill looked over it. He had my car in the shop and down off the lift within an hour. Fast service and friendly people.I cannot thank them enough for the piece of mind they gave me about my car. I will definitely be back!

  Freda T.
10 years ago
All around good experience. I thought they were up front and honest with me. They got my car in right away for some needed repairs, gave me an accurate estimate, and kept me informed about my car. I enjoyed working with Bill.He didn't talk down to me and answered all my questions. My car is running great! I will recommend them and be happy to work with them in the future.

  Reg Williams
a year ago
Outstanding Professional Quality Work!I would bring my car back to Handel Automotive Service or recommend them to anyone. They are honest and trustworthy. Two very important qualities!Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Brenna Marsicek
3 years ago
I love the crew at Handel, they are nice, respectful, and efficient. When I was shopping for vehicles and brought prospect vehicles in for evaluation, they went out of their way to make sure I saw and understood the issues with them. We've brought our vehicles here for maintenance for years and will continue to do so. I really appreciate their work, thank you!.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Oil change

  Susan Gullickson
6 years ago
Just as we were coming into Madison from Iowa on Sunday, our car stopped shifting properly. Knowing that this was a serious problem, and that we still had an hour to get home, we called AAA (they have saved us more than once!!) and they recommended Handel's Automotive as one of their approved service providers. We were able to make it to a hotel just a mile from Handel's, and we were able to drive the car to Handel's first thing Monday morning. They were so welcoming and helpful. They said they could look at it the same day, and would call us when they knew what was going on. They gave us a ride back to the hotel, and about mid-day they had found the problem and would be able to get it done the next day. We got a call about 10:00 the next day that the car was done. They thoroughly explained the problem, and showed us the broken parts when we picked the car up. The price was very reasonable for the work that needed to be done. At no time did we feel like they didn't have time for us or that it was a hassle for them to do a major, unscheduled, car repair.The car functioned perfectly on the drive home. They told us some follow up items we still needed to do. I can't say enough about how professional they were and how I felt like our car was in the best hands possible. They gave us total peace of mind. Thank you, Handel's!!

  Anna Thompson Hajdik
a year ago
Great service, fair prices, and they treat you like an old friend every time you go into their establishment. I love Handel Automotive!

  Josh Herritz
3 years ago
Excellent customer service. The gentleman who I worked with went out of his way to both show me the broken part from my car and explain how it impacted my tire, which he also showed me. He also answered all of my questions about prevention and awareness of similar problems in the future. The only negative is that they haven't figured out how to make car repairs affordable.

  Tim Holt
4 years ago
Dropped off the Expedition, diagnosed issues, provided recommendations and performed those recommendations. Great communications from Bill and conveying them from Darryl or another service technician. Finished the service work earlier than I expected. When I initially spoke with Darryl he provided an estimated price for the service work I described with a 'could be' and a 'higher cost' therefore I knew what I was looking at so that it wasn't service sticker shock. It the road this morning and smooth running. As other reviewers have been going to Handel's, just wish I had found them earlier. Fabulous service.

  Mel P
4 years ago
Handel automotive staff is always kind, reliable and honest. They keep you informed of anything that looks like it may need repair in the future, keep you updated regarding maintenance schedules and always seem to be able to get your vehicle in for repair. Highly recommend!

  Justin Meyer
3 years ago
The car smelled like gasoline back by the tank a few times but I couldn't find anything wrong. Handel Auto checked it out for a very reasonable price and confirmed that there wasn't a gas leak. I never figured out what was going on but the smell never returned. They mentioned a few other items that could be repaired but weren't bothered when I didn't want to have those issues addressed. I would use this shop again in the future.

  S W
4 years ago
These guys are great. It's never a great feeling when your car breaks down, but the guys at Handel have done a great job with our vehicles and they always manage to make our experience with them a great one even under the unfortunate events that brought us to them. We are definitely going to be using them in the future.

  Chris R
4 years ago
I found Handel a couple years ago and have been coming back ever since. My only regret is that I didn t find them sooner. They check all the boxes, good work, good staff and good prices. Most important of all is that they re honest, they won t try to shove a bunch of stuff down your throat that you don t need, they ll make a couple suggestions or recommendations if it s necessary but that s it, no pressure, it s totally up to you. They just do what you ask and do it very well. Bill is always there to greet me with a smile and good conversation. I always enjoy my visits to Handel.

  Elizabeth Magnan
11 years ago
I have had 2 wonderful experiences at Handel's, after being referred from my father, a happy Handel customer. They are always friendly, helpful and quick to get me in and get the repairs done. My 10 year old car is running like new again after a few hours at Handel's! They offer free loaner cars and offered to stay open late for me to pick up my car after work. As someone else said. they don't make you feel stupid and they never are rushed or annoyed. They even have free cookies and soda in their clean waiting lounge. I definitely recommend them, for tune ups or major repairs- they will get it done fast, right and at a great price.

  Jay K. Anderson
8 years ago
I'm a shade-tree mechanic and don't often get professional help with car repair. Recently I was stumped with a check engine light and took the car into Handel. I was extremely pleased with everything. The front desk staff (missed the name) was courteous, careful and complete. Double-checked for errors where they can often occur (like my cell phone #). Scheduling an appointment was a breeze (got in the next day). The mechanics paid close attention to the things I had already tried. They called me with their strategy and explained the thought process behind it, at a level that I (an amateur) could understand. Labor rates similar to other reputable shops; quality of service top-notch. Trustworthy operation. I'll be going back next time car trouble comes up.

  Kathy Newhouse
8 years ago
I've been going to Handel Automotive for 16 years. They have always been honest, dependable, do great work, and a friendly atmosphere. I like that they make suggestions on items that need work, but they are never pushy to get it done. They go above and beyond to get the job done. They even bake fresh cookies daily for their customers!

  Stephanie Trader
6 years ago
Handel Automotive is a wonderful local auto shop. They are super accommodating, always do an amazing job, and they build great relationships with their customers. They are respectable and honest folks. I'll be taking our cars here forever. :)

  bumis smichele
2 years ago
I love this place- always great service for great prices. I was super tired and scattered the morning I came in for an oil change and kept doing/saying silly things like forgetting to give them my keys, etc. But they were so gracious and patient, it made me appreciate them all the more.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  JG
a year ago
Diagnosed my car 3 different times and had him fix these pricey problems only to have the car with the same issues. Took my car to another shop and now it s running completely fine with a inexpensive fix.Service: TransmissionService: Transmission