TLDR review - highly recommend. Call here first. Full review. - I had car trouble right at the halfway point of a long trip and called ARS Automotive as soon as they opened. They answered at 8:00 AM, had me in by 8:10, and I was back on the road by 9:30. The moment I described the issue, they guessed what it was and said, "If we're right, you'll be back on the road this morning. If not, we'll go from there." Sure as shit -- they were right. They were fast, knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely good people. Pricing was also very reasonable, especially considering how quickly and confidently they handled everything. If you're traveling and experiencing engine problems, you can 100% trust this shop. I got lucky they had an opening -- good shops like this stay booked -- but if you're in the area, this would be my first call every time. Highly recommend. read more

This shop has been taking care of our Nissan Maxima and recently my work van. Our cars AC was not working, and we agreed to a diagnostic, which including shooting a dye into the system. My worst fear was a new compressor. Thank God all it was only an O-Ring. Thanks for your honesty!!! Took van to ARS for radiator leak/replacement after Chevy dealer, two hours away did an emergency fan/clutch repair. They quoted me almost $1500 to replace the radiator while I was there, I declined. When I took it to ARS to get the work done my costs were almost $500 less than GM Chevrolet. Also saw that Chevy had damaged a lot of my fins on radiator when they replace Fan/Clutch. (I will deal with them!) The owner and staff are always friendly and ready to assist. They even had a loaner car for me. (As long as I had full coverage on my van)! Just topped off the gas tank! Bottom line-No one is perfect including GM Mechanics, but being honest, considerate, and giving a better labor rate than any other dealer or reputable shop is a winner for me! I'm guessing the owner has 40 plus years' experience and it shows! Thank you sir!!! read more

On a trip down to Urbana, our car needed repair. Pulled into ARS auto repair and they took the time to look over and test drive our car, even though they were very busy. Honest and very competent staff. Would highly recommend in you live in the area. They also didn't charge us anything for their time! They also sell amazing homemade candles at the shop! read more

Just as important to be able to trust your auto guy as it is to trust your doctor or dentist. Eugene has never steered us wrong. He won't claim something needs work when it doesn't and he fixes what was broke. Rates are reasonable. read more

The service here is excellent. Highly recommend, stopped in off the interstate and they fixed our air conditioning in record time. People were great and owner personally did the work. read more

I'm a professional goon and, as such, my car takes a great deal of abuse far beyond what a normal 2001 Civic would endure. Gene has not only kept the car running (sitting at 205,000 presently) but has kept it running smooth as the day it was built. Some time ago, my engine exploded. After towing it the Gene's shop, he had a new engine tuned and installed inside of a week. Speaking as someone who has messed around with engine swaps, it is extraordinarily difficult to swap an engine into a car and have it run perfectly with no issues. Gene not only did that, but also hung onto the old engine so it could be used for parts in the new one, should it require it. If you're anywhere in the county and your car is screwed up, running weird, or even just needs an oil change; call Gene. read more

My car broke down on I-39 near the Mendota exit. ARS was recommended from the business that I work to have my car towed there. (I live over 30 miles away) Gene was absolutely wonderful and fixed my car. He even delivered my car to my work place. Since then I have taken our second vehicle there for repair, which Gene was able to figure out what the problem was that 2 repair shops in my home town could not solve! He is absolutely wonderful and HONEST!! I highly recommend this repair shop! read more

Took my vehicle in for service because it was not starting, was told by Eugene, the owner, that the radio was bad and after two hours of labor they said a fuse needed to be pulled (by me for some reason as they simply marked it's location.) Told me that he would put a new radio in for 250-300 dollars and I declined as I could live without it and just paid for the diagnosis. I pulled the he instructed to and overnight the car died again. Took it into a local dealer for a second opinion and they immediately noticed that the battery was too small for my vehicle and had gone bad, and that it was not the radio and should have been easily noticed. Would not recommend, dealerships may be a bit more expensive but at least they won't try to con you into buying a whole new audio system. read more

Gene Bodmer is that rarest of individuals: an honest and very capable mechanic who will tell you the truth and charge you accordingly. He has even been known to turn away work when, in his opinion, the prospective customer's money would be wasted. If your car should break down in or near Mendota, IL, this is the mechanic to call. read more

Had my car in his shop for almost 2 weeks. Said he fixed the problem ? If so, then why does my car still not work right? Completely dissatisfied with the shabby job and over all crap work. Obviously, he is a god to the people of mendota because he apparently has good deals? Yeah, I got ripped off and got a crap job. Thanks but no thanks! Not going back ever! read more

Our car broke down just before Mendota on our way to my mother-in-law's funeral in Missouri. Everyone we spoke to recommended ARS for the best service and fair prices. They couldn't have been more correct. They got us in right away the next morning. When they realized they wouldn't be able to repair the car immediately, they arranged a car to rent from a local dealership before they even told us about it. We were on our way in no time, and the car was ready to be picked up on our way home. They did a great job, and at a very reasonable price. But more than anything, they were compassionate and amazing people in our time of grief and need. I would recommend ARS in a heartbeat...just as three people had done when we arrived in Mendota that night. read more

This is one of the best shops in this area. Gene (the owner) is as honest as the day is long and will not steer you wrong. Quality work at a fair price. read more

Probably one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a repair shop, the owner is rude and condescending. Very unprofessional, cannot possibly understand why people around Mendota think this place is good, had work done a couple of times only for the same issue to arise days later, or to not be fixed at all and charged. read more

My daughter had an issue with her car outside Mendota. Based on recommendations, she took car to Gene's shop. He was extremely helpful and accommodating and quickly assessed that she was good to go! I would highly recommend this shop to others. read more