Today started with a gloomy outside here in North York and I was anxious to have my the issues with my vehicle resolved. I feel compelled to write this review because my visit to the Active Green +Ross at 19 Crestwood Road, Thornhill was the best relief I could have gotten from my anxiety. Wow...the service was really great and I should have expected that, really because I have been going there for sometime now and I always received good service there. Rob Singer and his front desk assistant, Mr Singh always responded positively to my motor vehicle service needs but today, as I said I feel compelled to write this review. They both have great communication with the mechanics and coordinate with them well. Today, they were pressed with great demand for services from many customers who were at the counter.......they excelled in dealing with the situation. Today they coordinated with Jake, the electrician mechanic and resolved the removal and replacement of some parts expeditiously. Thank you all at the Yonge and Steeles location for your great services and I will go to no other Garage for services. Thank you. Ronnie Sookhoo read more

I waited at reception for 15 minutes. An employee was on the phone talking about "the system" so presume he was not talking to a customer. He never once acknowledged my presence or paused to say he'd be with me soon. I wandered outside hoping to catch the eye of ant other employee who could help me but to no avail. No one looked my way. It was if I was invisible - I thought customers paid their wages! After 15 minutes I left and went up the road to Kal Tire on Dundas just south of Bloor. The experience was totally the opposite-reception was courteous and welcoming and service was arranged quickly. I was in an out in five minutes. I was a long-time customer at Active Green and Ross. Service used to be good. It's been downhill since ownership/management of this branch changed a couple of years ago. I can't see it lasting much longer if they don't get their act together. read more

I must say that active green and Ross at 955 upper James service is superior. excellent service throughout the visit. They changed the oil and also added antifreeze, which was a good bit low. In addition they replaced a burned out headlight and replaced my wipers. Staff explained each charge on the bill and applied a discount where appropriate. It is refreshing to have had such a positive experience, and be sent away with a better running vehicle as the result of exemplary service during the entire visit. There should be more professionals like Mike. Tom and Jim who exhibits integrity, consideration, and care for customer satisfaction. As a result, I would recommend Active green and ross to anyone I meet. read more

I didn't have a good experience here. First of all the staff at Active Green + Ross lied to me about getting my car looked after immediately when I called them, but when I got there it turned out that they were busy and didn't have time. I had no choice but to leave my car there since it was already towed there. They didn't look at my car until just before they were closing and after 2 phone calls. They told me that they could fix it by the next morning at 10, so I went there the next morning - Guess what, it wasn't ready because they were waiting for a part to come. So when the part did come, gets installed, and an hour later - guess what, they tell me that the part they installed was defective,I couldn't take my car, and that they had to re-order another one and wait another day . The part they got was a defective refurbished part - I ask them why they didn't get it new. They lie to me and say only refurbished parts are available for my car (I know they lied because I checked afterwards to see if there were new parts). In summary, 2 lies and slow service, I don't recommend this auto centre. read more

I brought my 2000 Honda Civic here just for an emissions test. Before Marco did the test, he said he would give me a "free pre inspection". All said and done he said my vehicle needed several repairs to be done or else my car would most likely fail. He said The repairs would cost around $700!! Alarms went off in my head immediately after hearing this to get out of here since I know nothing is wrong with the car. I went to another shop for my E-Test and my car passed with flying colours with ZERO repairs! People like this are the reasons why auto mechanics have bad reputations as scammers. They ruin it for honest mechanics out there. read more

Before I knew my way around the city and had no idea where to turn for tire work, oil changes and the like, I looked locally. Having used to live about a ten-minute walk from this place, I would often drop off my car and then walk back home. I soon moved out of the neighbourhood but still found it difficult not to take my car here. Maybe it was a matter of convenience, but driving 20 minutes out of your way and then taking a bus back to the subway tells me that there's probably something more than just convenience at work here. This Active Green + Ross is pretty much like most others you'll go to. Dealing mainly in tires and light maintenance, they are friendly, efficient, and decently affordable for the work that they provide. Testament to this are two things; that I would keep going out there to get work done after I moved, and that my car kept running after I left. Never had an issue with these guys when I've used them. Need tires, oil changes, muffler work, it's worth the drive or walk out if you're in the 'hood. read more

I've been here twice, both times for alignments, several years apart. The first time, they said they did the alignment no problemo. But, the steering wheel was way off center when I got it back. I was young and stupid back then, so I let it go. Then, more recently, I thought I'd give them another chance (I also live walking distance from this place). Got my car back after the alignment, and it still pulled to the right. Went back for an 'adjustment' - they claim '4-wheel computerized alignment, btw - and when I got it back, it was even worse! Not only that, but the tech actually left a locking pliers attached to one of the steering end links. Dingbats! Too bad that place at Dufferin and Dupont closed - their old-fashioned, non-computerized alignment was the best any of my cars ever had :( read more

Deceiving pricing, regularly offering to get things done that aren't required, and charge for work not completed. I used to go to this venue to get my new tires from them, as well as my oil changed. I hadn't been there in a while, but last time I went, they quoted me a price of $30 for their oil change, however when I got there, they actually charged a whole bunch of additional fees on top of it, making it at least $40 + tax. I felt that to be very misleading and dishonest. During my visit, they told me that my vehicle needed an alignment which I had them perform, only to later find out that it hadn't been done at all, when I went to another garage who checked it for me and advised that it could not have been done the previous time, since the front two wheels were facing in the opposite direction, and it's not possible that in that short of a period of time that the alignment could've gotten that far off. The other garage also gave me the before and after alignment readings (and they let me keep the print-out). Where-as this shop shows you some before & after alignment readings after they're done, but never lets you keep them, so I wonder if they're even from my vehicle). They also recommended to have my pollen air filter, as well as the air filter under the hood changed. They told me that they'd only charge for the parts, and the labour would be free, however the price they quoted me was way higher than what the dealership charged for the parts, so I passed on it. I later got a new air and a a new pollen air filter, and I realized that although the pollen air filter was definitely in need of being changed, the air filter under the hood looked like new. I was never a huge fan of the way they work on a first-come first-serve basis, and estimates on when the vehicle would be ready are usually quite off. They did give me a ride home and back to the shop, which was nice. However the man who drove me, didn't even say "hi" or "bye." All-in-all, considering my last experience at this venue, I have no interest in returning there what-so-ever. read more

Having just moved into the Neighbourhood and needing an oil change and transmission fluid flush I was looking to spend local. I found these guys around the corner from my new place and I was able to walk back. Similar to other reviews, yes, the place is a little intimidating but the guys behind the counter seemed knowledgeable enough for my mind (read - not car oriented) and so, after about 20 minutes of waiting for them to do all their phone calls, I checked my car in. I had a pleasant conversation with them, and asked when I should return and they said "just a coupla hours" Great. 2.5 hours later, I walked back in. I understand things get busy so I don't want to pester them. I showed and they were both on the phone. I spent time browsing around the shop, reading the customer service sign, etc. They still hadn't greeted me so I sat down, thinking I would wait patiently. About half an hour later, 3-4 phone calls they took and 2 other clients that marched up to the counter asking the status on their cars I decided to walk up. "Hey, I'm here to pick up my car" "Oh yeah...uhhh...it's going in right now" Ok, so you said 2 hours and it's now officially been 3 and I've had to ask for your attention each time. But, hey, it's getting done, my frustration is getting a little higher mind you. The mechanic took just over an hour for an oil change and transmission fluid flush - seems long but the price I was paying seemed reasonable so no big complaints. I had to walk up to the counter again to say, "Hey, what's going on with the car" "yeah, he's pulling it out right now" I walked out, there was the car, mechanic hands it over to me, great. I get in the car and the maintenance minder light is still on. My oil life is at 5%. So I walk back in and say, "hey, the reminder light is still on" The guy behind the counter said to the mechanic, "you gotta change that, you gotta reset the maintenance light" I followed the mechanic out and he couldn't reset it, he had no idea. So I, now more frustrated, walked back inside and asked, "hey, do you know how to reset the light" "yeah, the mechanics going to do that for you" "He doesn't know how" "all right, i'll get another guy" Which he didn't. The mechanic walked back, searched something on the internet and found what he was looking for. He walked back out, pushed the odometer light which gave me a trip A reading and I showed him, no, if I push the odometer again there's the oil life - I need you to reset this. I followed the mechanic back inside, he picked up more papers and walked back out. I waited more. The mechanic came back in and walked into the garage ignoring me. I asked, "hey, can I get my keys back" The guy at the counter said, "yeah man, give him the keys" He didn't look at me but the counter and said, "they're in the car" Great - my car is open, running and on Dundas and dupont - not saying that anything would happen but it's not the safety I'd like considered here. On my way out and out of frustration, I muttered under my breath, "F**K". I must have said it louder than I thought though because back in my car the guy behind the counter had followed me out. "Did I hear you say something as you left?" "well yeah, you said two hours, it's been 4.5, your mechanic doesn't give me the best feeling that the work has been done and..." "listen, listen - next time you come back, your leaving your car for the day or you don't come back" "No problem, I'm never coming back" and drove away. He's right in a sense. I shouldn't have swore in his shop. I should've left it for a day. From my side of the coin, I want quality customer service, pay some attention and I will pay some money and then don't dismiss me like it was nothing. I never got any apology for any delay or anything. Over promised and under delivered. read more

This Active Green + Ross location gets an easy five-star rating for customer service, quality and competitive pricing. I called at 10:30am for a quote ($630 -- all-in -- for four Michelin Defenders on a 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring) and by 2pm on the same day I had new tires, a 4-wheel alignment done and a new cabin air filter installed. No up-selling or typical sales schlock either. I was honoured an expired discount offer on the Michelin Defenders and they knocked $10 off the alignment. Not bad. All in all, I couldn't have asked for more. Very happy with the service and would recommend this location to anyone. read more

Avoid at all costs! The last time I went to these crooks, I went to get my tie-rods looked at on my Matrix (a last minute thing before a camping trip). Considering how I had just bought the car the previous year, I knew that there couldn't be much wrong with it. These geniuses had the nerve to try and tell me that the car needed all new struts, and that it would cost me over $3K. Long story short, I took the car in to our family mechanic and the car was absolutely fine. read more

NEVER GO TO BELLS CORNERS LOCATION! I have been a loyal customer of active green and ross for more then 5 years now. I received the worst customer service I have ever experienced in the service industry at the bells corners location. The Manager was not willing to uphold an offer made to me at the carling location and I told her she would lose my business Her reply " Doesn't matter" I was shocked! read more

Have been to the Pickering Town Centre location and was treated really well. My car developed a rattle which sounded like a wheel bearing. I called from the highway and drove right into a bay. They replaced the bearing while I waited. Technician was very thorough. read more

This is a horrible place where they take advantage of you every chance they get. We went in with a engine caution light and they held our car telling us we "have" to do this work. It was $1600 in one day, I have no idea if they really changed anything or did any work to fix our engine. They treatened if we took the car we "have" to bring it back to get more work and spend more $$. They were so rude, talked down to us like we weren't worth their time. So rude at the desk, no eye contact, no welcome. These people are horrible and I would warn everyone to stay away and take your car to real auto repair shop. read more

Rainy day, sunroof stuck open, these guys dropped everything and got it closed. No charge. Can't say how much that was appreciated. As a regular customer, this type of service is really extraordinary - I will definitely continue to give Marco and his crew my business. Keep up the good work guys! read more

Marco and his team very helpful. Quick, efficient, good pricing and they explain things. Helped me out with my 2005 Ford Ranger a bunch.

Active Green and Ross has failed miserably during the Automobile Protection Agency and the CTV W5 Investigative Reports on the state of garages in Canada. Most Canadians do not understand what makes their cars run smoothly, so much trust is put into mechanics' expertise. CTV's W5 teamed up with the Automobile Protection Association to put repair shops under the microscope -- and to see how often mechanics take customers for a ride. For more details and in-depth coverage go the this URL: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110408/w5-the-mechanic-110409/ To watch the video go the following URL: http://watch.ctv.ca/news/w5/the-mechanic/#clip447197 Half truths, exaggeration, and deception are tools used by Green and Ross to con unsuspecting customers into purchasing services and products that are not required. Here is an excerpt from the W5 Report: Derek Miller, W5 Date: Sat. Apr. 9 2011 6:53 PM ET There's a part of me that wishes I knew more about cars. I can usually find the dipstick and top up my windshield wiper fluid, but if you want to talk about piston rings, head gaskets or struts, I'll nod knowingly -- a practiced skill -- while secretly wishing I was a bit less ignorant when it came to mechanical stuff. Chances are, if you have a car, you've left a garage wondering, "Did I pay too much?" or "I wonder if I really needed new struts, plugs and that air freshener." We rely on mechanics for their expertise and since most of us know so little, we often have to defer to that expertise. It's not like we can diagnose and fix most things ourselves. That's why the annual Automobile Protection Association investigation into the integrity of the car industry is important. This year W5 again teams up with the APA to document the work of mystery shoppers -- savvy and knowledgeable car buffs themselves -- who visited 30 repair shops in Calgary and Toronto to see just how honest and capable mechanics are. Here's how the survey works: three test vehicles are inspected by APA mechanics and deemed to be in excellent working order, with new fluids and up-to-date maintenance. Then, a single, easy-to-fix problem is created: a battery cable is loosened. It's something that could cause an intermittent starting problem. At the beginning of the survey, the mystery shoppers were concerned that this problem was too easy to spot. As you'll soon see, they were wrong. Equipped with their own hidden cameras, the APA shoppers took the cars to auto repair shops. Their instructions are the same at each visit. They tell the person at the counter that the car starts intermittently and that they'd like a general inspection. There was a wide spectrum of recommendations and estimates. Here are some of the highlights: The first Toronto garage the mystery shoppers visited was an Active Green and Ross. Active Green and Ross is a large southern Ontario chain of franchises -- with 90 auto centres. At this centre, a mechanic found the problem -- the loose battery cable. But when the shoppers returned after the inspection was done, instead of talking about the starting problem, the mechanic wanted to talk brakes. For 30 minutes, he shows the mystery shoppers why they should be serviced. With the car on a hoist, he points out different things. He says there's rust on the rotors. He says they're dry and need to be lubricated. "Service the brakes," he says. "You're gonna save a lot of money." And then he does a demonstration to show why the brake fluid should be flushed and replaced. He takes a sample of the brake fluid and pours it on the concrete floor. Then he takes some new brake fluid -- right out of the container -- and pours it next to the "old' fluid. "Look, see how dirty?" he asks. "See the difference? Black and green." Brake fluid gets darker than its pristine green version within days of running through your car's brake lines. It doesn't mean it's not working. In fact, in this case, the brake fluid was only a few weeks old and had been tested just a day before this visit -- testing fine. But since the shoppers were posing as regular customers, they deferred to the mechanic's expertise after he says, "Yeah, you gotta do a brake fluid flush too ... Otherwise, you're gonna damage all your hydraulic (sic)." So, the garage does the work -- a full brake service and fluid flush. Total bill: $404. George Iny is director of the APA. He and a mechanic reviewed the work right after the visit. "We actually took the brakes apart and took a look at them... You could see that a machine had been used on the brakes but only on the outside, the part you could see... They used the wrong kind of product on the back of the brake pads...We checked our master cylinder and it had been overfilled and so what that would do in the long run is possibly provoke a leak coming out of the cylinder." This garage was given a failing grade. Stay away from Active Green and Ross. Save your money.... read more

Okay. So I have had good experiences at AG&R at the gerrard street location, so when I brought my car here, I assumed it would be a similar experience. However it was less than expected. I had called about an oil change and A1 service on a Honda civic (aka, oil change, fluid check, tire rotate/check) and the technician I spoke to said that if I wanted it done the next day that I should come at 7:30am when they open. So I was there at 7:30 am (actually I was there at 7:15 and waited). I walked in, and approached the desk at 7:30, and the guy working, whom I saw arrive ten minutes prior, didn't really greet me, he just waited for my question. So I started with, "I called yesterday about an A 1 Service; was it you?..." he rolled his eyes and said "it might have been" between bites of Tim Hortons breakfast sandwich. So it continued on. Anyway, I gave him my keys and asked how long, he said his technicians weren't in yet so probably around 8:30 when they get in, and hour after. (9:30) I left to get some stuff done in the area returning at 9:15. Then I sat there until 10:15. I then got called to the desk. I can see my car, still hoisted, tires off. He says "your break pads need replaced, you are down to only a few milimeters (like 1.5)" [new break pads are 8-10mm]. I said, "what does that entail? Reply (condescendingly) "well, you probably break hard" (I raised my eyebrows, to which he recovered by saying) "because it's an automatic, I drive a stick so I can downshift and break less" You are also in Canada where there is a lot of salt, so you should probably get the better pads that are ceramic" Me: "How much?" Him: "I can get the parts here and put on by 11:30am" Me: "How much?" Him: "ehhh about 500$ premium" Me: "and for non ceramic? " Him: "$400" So at this point I'm out. That is way too much for this job as the tires are ALREADY off the car. (Which is half the work of the job). The break down: if you go to Canadian Tire or Napa ...the break pads are 100$ for premium for the consumer. "Employees/auto ppl" get the for about $40-50$. Naturally there is a mark up. To install the break pads it's a few steps to install (remove a few bolts, 12mm wrench, check calipers etc) once the tires are off. A professional would take about 10 minutes a tire. Again...naturally there is a minimum labor charge of an hour. So theoretically $100 on parts (which entails a 50$ mark up) $100 on labour...which has a minimum. Should total 200$ (hell...even if you threw in a 50$ charge for overhead of the half our you were on the hoist...you're looking at $250. Not $500. So if you don't have any options to find someone you can trust...at least do some research. ie. Bring in your own parts (it'll cost you less) make sure you know exactly what they want to do. (If the pads are at 5mm you have quite a while before they sqeak/or it gets even close to metal to metal) etc. Get itemized and detailed reciepts. Remember your technicians name. read more

Customer service quite poor. Parts were to be ordered for my car and when I hadn't heard for days I called and they completely dropped the ball. No one knew what I was talking about and they were not apologetic or helpful at all. Would not recommend. read more

Stay Away! These guys are crooks, the owner is a total scam artist. They will be nice and do favors on first visit, then they do the typical ,"You need new shocks" when you don't. They tried to tell me my engine had issues and it would cost 2 grand, I went to dealer and NOTHING WAS WRONG. Car works fine and is in perfect condition the past 2 years. They also said I needed new shocks when my car had about 3 years left on them. F&$%^ these guys seriously. I've heard other horror stories from people in the community about these guys. Save yourself, stay far away. read more

I had a similar experience as Julie D. below. I brought my car in for an oil change and 30 point inspection last week because my regular guy was unavailable. According to the technician doing the inspection my inner brake pads were worn down so much they weren't even touching the rotors, I only had about 20% of the outer pads left, and that the brakes could go at any time. They said they could fix it for upwards of $450, but I said I'd like to hold off. The guy seemed surprised and suggested that it would be unsafe to drive, but I didn't buy it. The brakes worked just fine on the way in and they worked fine when I took a road trip to Montreal the next day. When I got back I had my regular guy look at the brakes. He took one look and said "wow, they're assholes. Your brakes are fine". He opened them up and confirmed that my brake pads were at 95% and did not need any work. Telling me I need brake work when I really don't means one of two things: either 1) The staff at Active Green and Ross are grossly incompetent or 2) They know exactly what they're doing and made a conscious, coordinated effort to rip me off. Either way, they are not good at jobs. I will not be giving them my business ever again, and neither should you. read more

Took our car in for an oil change. We were told the radiator was cracked and the shocks bust and it would cost $3.5k to fix.Took the car for a second opinion. We were told there was nothing wrong with the radiator and the shocks are old but not bust and do not need urgent replacing. We will not be back to Active Green & Ross on Dundas West and recommend that anyone who gets a quote/diagnosis about their car at this establishment get a second opinion before they proceed. read more

I had a very positive experience at this Green & Ross when I brought my car there for an oil change. They said that it would be ready in 40 minutes and it was done in 30. The staff was very friendly as well and the price was right at 19.99 for a basic oil change. You can't get that price anywhere else! read more

We've been bringing our Toyota Corolla here for several years. We had taken it to the Toyota dealer where we bought it in the past, but the dealership was always trying to upsell me services and parts I didn't need. These guys at Active Green &Ross are very straightforward. I've always found they give me options on what I'd like to do. In recent years it has been important to keep the car running and to be safe. I always do my oil changes and inspections with them and many times there was no other services needed (no upsell or over sell). The car now is reaching the end of it's life(allot of km) with us and we're starting to look for a new car. On the last oil change there were a couple things that needed to be done that would have been easy for them just to tell me- "do it" and they could profit. But they didn't. Marco chose to suggest to us that it may not be worth it anymore to do the work. Saved over $1000! I felt like he was looking out for my interests, taking the side of the car owner, not the repair shop. It's great having someone in the neighborhood I can trust. I'd recommend using them and using them regularly. That way you track the work and they get to know what you're expectations are. Worked out great for me and I'll be bringing my new (slightly used) car to them as long as I can. read more

Craig and staff were great to deal with! Very friendly, efficient service - I was in and out in half an hour. Pricing was very fair as well.

Having four tires changed with these clowns was the worst car-related decision I've ever made. Not only did one blow the next day (which according them was neither their fault nor their concern) but their aggression and intimidation tactics are disgusting, unprofessional, and incredibly offensive. They're assholes on the phone--one feels like a nuisance to them by offering them your business--and they refuse to call you back when you're waiting for your car or a part. I'd rather walk to work than have these idiots fix my car. read more

These guys acted like my best friends when I bought tires from them. That was the last time they treated me like a person. They were dishonest jerks every time I needed to come in for service after that. They take forever to do the simplest task, greet you with a "who are you?" when you ask if your car's done, and act like they're doing you a huge favor when the finally return your car days later. They seem to have learned customer service from the movie "My Cousin Vinny." There's no way to get a straight answer about when work will be completed. I ditched them last winter and have been much happier with Canadian Tire. read more

these guys are rip off artists. i got a red light on my dashboard and i stopped here because it was the closest place. they whispered among themselves and then said i needed a brand new radiator and quoted me almost $1000. fortunately i thought they were acting weird so i took the car to my mechanic and he said that all i needed was some coolant. three months later and my car is fine. do not ever go here especially if you are a woman. these people should be put out of business. read more