I'm a regular customer at Merlin. I used to get all my oil changes and car issues checked there…read more But every time I went, they'd hand me a huge list of repairs. For example, when my tail light was out, they charged me $35 just for installation--something I later learned to do myself in about two minutes. Then, I heard a sound from my tire, and they said it'd cost $600. When I hesitated, they warned me it was risky to drive, so I agreed. Later, I had an oil change--they charged me $80 for synthetic oil, which should last 6,000 miles. But at 2,500 miles, my engine oil light came on. I checked, and there was no oil. I had to get it redone elsewhere.
Next, I had a catalytic converter issue. Merlin charged me $300 for installation after I bought the part myself. Later, I smelled smoke from my A/C vent. They told me it would go away after some miles, but it didn't. My engine light stayed on, and after about 7,000 miles, the car wouldn't accelerate. They said it was the catalytic converter again--$1,500. I had no choice, so I paid. They had already charged me $99 for the diagnostic.
One week later, I heard another noise from the tire. I asked them to check, but they wanted another diagnostic fee. I reminded them I had just done one, but they insisted it was separate. I paid $99 again. Then they said it was the tire bearings--$600. I was suspicious, so I took my car elsewhere. Turns out it wasn't the bearings; it was brake pads. I've realized they exaggerate issues to charge more. I've wasted $3,000 in two years. If I'd gone to another mechanic first, I'd have avoided all this. I've seen other reviews saying the same. I don't recommend Merlin. If you have car issues, go somewhere else.
