Another visit, this time for spark plug replacement. They'd never been changed on my 2013 VW Jetta. (Less than 63,000 miles!!!) Staff worked with the price comparison I found on a national database for my ZIP code. Result: a win-win for both quality and value. I was in and out in a little over an hour, thanks to the same efficient and courteous service provided on previous visits. A plus: I didn't notice until later that they'd vacuumed the carpet as a complementary service! Another 5-star performance. Highly recommended. read more

My husband truly likes their customer service. He finds them to be honest, dedicated, knowledgeable, friendly, and reasonable prices. They do not oversell services. Clean lobby. We take our 2018 RAV4 and our Highlander 2022 oil changes and any recommended and needed services with them. read more

Told them that I was leaving to go out of town and needed an oil change. In Nashville, the car started to leak oil...bad. Went to the Kia dealership and they replaced the oil filter, which was not tightened properly and cleaned the engine as by then it had sprayed oil all over the inside of the engine compartment. This ended up costing me a couple of hundred dollars and wasted a day of my time waiting for the diagnostics and repairs. When I returned to Chicago, I took the repair bill to Bartels and asked them to pay for the repairs since they were the direct cause of the repairs being needed. They refused and only offered to refund the cost of the oil change. When I refused to settle for that, they took the refund off the table and essentially told me to get out of their shop. They really didn't take any responsibility at all for their work. Very disappointing. You are paying dealership prices and getting alley mechanic service. read more

7/3 -Brought my car in for an evaporator swap. I specifically asked if they would remove the dash to swap the component out and was reassured they would not remove the dash. They went ahead and removed the dash and caused damages to leather on the dash, the cloth A pillar liner, dash trim hanging loose, vent trim no longer sits flush, grease/melted plastic was all over the inside of the windshield, dirt and debris all over the interior, and most of my driver side switches no longer worked. Amy Bartel refused to acknowledge any liability for their negligence and blamed the fact that my car was older to cover for their damages. Other customers in the lobby were facing similar issues with their repairs. The following day I received a call saying I was a liar and knew they would remove the dash. They also claim no voice was recorded and can't verify what was talked about. They are siding with their employees and telling me to kick rocks. Be aware they do not care about your car, they just want your money. Update 7/10: Amy Bartel continues to say I'm lying with no audio recordings or any written documentation to validate. Refused to understand my concerns with the poor service I received. I asked for garage insurance information to file a claim and was refused. Amy stated "to wait for resolution" when asked to clarify she stated again "to wait for resolution". They did wipe the windshield and dash so I guess that was the top-tier service that was left out... read more

Received new tires, brakes, an oil change, and my heating/cooling fixed (somewhere around 2k). Walking to my car after paying and I immediately noticed cracks on my door keypad. I alerted Bartel's right away and while waiting for the General Manager, Ivan, to come out, I proceed to check out the entirety of my car. The driver side interior door panel had divets, almost like burns, down the side. Ivan met me at my car and I showed him all the damage. He assured me he would be reviewing the security footage to see if anything happened. He was also willing to provide me the footage as well. As of today, I have some footage, none of when my door was open and the interior was being worked on. They have ordered a part to fix the exterior keypad panel. However, they said they did not see anyone do anything to the interior and will not be fixing that portion of the door. Conveniently, they don't have any photo or video of that portion of my car, even though they do a comprehensive walkthrough and take many photos and videos throughout their process. The customer service at Bartel's is a cut above, but none of that matters as they damaged my car. I'm quite particular about my car and I now get to look at what they did every day. They also put a car refresher tree in, which is almost the worst thing they did. read more

Bartel's Auto Clinic - Auto Repair Near Me - Carol Stream, Illinois

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I had an emergency with my car on a Sunday and they were able to fit me in right away! The staff was so nice and they even let me go into the back and look at my car and what was going on. I never have mechanics let me do that! The pricing was very fair and they even gave me a deal on labor since more work had to be done than anticipated. They are also dog-friendly and there was the cutest golden retriever in there which was a joy. Great spot! read more

Bartel's Auto Clinic - My car :-) the skid plate became dislodged and was sparking on the ground - Auto Repair Near Me - Carol Stream, Illinois

I have been taking my cars to Bartel's for years because they are thorough, efficient, reasonable prices, ethical, honest and friendly to everyone. They never hard sell anyone to have expensive unnecessary repairs done. I'm 78 y/o and don't know a thing about cars other than turning the key to start or pushing a button and keeping gas tank full so I trust them completely. read more

I've tried Bartels a few times and initially a few years ago they were really good, but I'm not sure what's going on lately as I'm not sure if they have to pay for their new building, but their quotes are outrageous. I received a quote the other day and the part that you can get at the dealer was about $150 and they had it at $375. The dealer should be the highest place for parts. This is not the first time I've been quoted a high price on parts although the labor is overboard as well. One time while I was there I noticed that they were having a meeting in the office and I happen to look and took a picture of what they were training on. Since I come from sales I notice there were 5 circles and it started out like Advise customer, present pricing/quote, then "Overcome Objections", Close the sale, Follow Up Call. If you've ever received a call after visiting them, that's just part of their process. They don't really care, its just part of the the process. I received a call just from getting a quote and the person left a message asking was I happy with the service provided. Uh, I didn't get service. I find it hard to believe that it is a AAA Approved facility. I knew that they quoted parts high, so I came in one time and had ordered the part off of Rock Auto and asked them how much would they charge me to put the part in. Their response was, we won't install parts we don't sell. I guess that's because they can't mark it up. People need to do their due diligence when it comes to car repairs because these folks out here know they've got you over a barrel. They've been trained to look at you with a straight face knowing their prices are ridiculously high. If you don't call them out on it they'll keep doing it. Better yet just go some place else. read more

Absolutely love these guys. Offered me the best price for an oil change and checked my entire car out for free and topped of fluids. Will be coming back. read more

Stay far away! I read the reviews before having my car taken in, they were the closest, so I gave it a chance. Horrible choice, in the process of fixing my car the blew out the footwell module and claimed they did nothing wrong. Now the windows, headlights and windows don't work. Funny thing is they worked enough to put the window down slightly when the car got to the shop but them not working after, they say is not their fault. Bad place, trust the bad reviews. Many better places in the area! read more

I am really surprised by the negative reviews! My partner and I and most of my friends and coworkers have Bartel's as our go to shop for all car problems. I have had very positive experiences there! They give rides home and have loaner cars available and their work is excellent and thorough And prices are reasonable. read more

Had our dodge journey serviced for check engine light. Made appointment dropped vehicle off the night before and had an estimate within an hour and approved repairs. Picked car up the next day at 3:00 all repairs made. Great service and price. 100% satisfaction. read more

This is my favorite place to take my car to. My whole family goes to this business & we keep going back. excellent warranties, never give you an issue, & fast to get in. definitely recommended Bartels Auto Clinic, the staff is amazing. read more

Amazing service and exceptional customer attentiveness!! The gentlemen helping me out were able to exactly pinpoint the issue with my car immediately. They had me back out on the road in record time. Besides being very knowledgeable and efficient, both gentlemen were very attentive. Bartel's is definitely on my highly recommendable list from now on! read more

Awesome service, price, and staff. I thought it was so nice that each staff member takes the time to explain everything that is going on with your car and what they can do to help you. My experience was great and I got to enjoy some Saturday afternoon football too! Whatta win!! Thanks to the team at Bartels!! See you in 5,000 miles. read more

I have to say, if you need work done on your car go here. These people are so very helpful and extremely nice. I just wish I would of found them sooner! They are VERY HONEST and know what they are doing. They have a customer for life. THANK YOU! read more

Honestly blown away by the customer service skills from everyone here. I have never been to an auto shop that was so friendly and knowledgeable all around! The honesty and thoroughness is very much appreciated. I am so thankful to have found a place that I can trust to bring my car in! Trever took the time to explain everything to me about the issue on my car in detail. He answered all of my questions and genuinely seemed like he cared. He even went out of his way to find out about the warranty on my car without me even asking. I will be back and would recommend this place to anyone!! read more

They over quote the labor charges on repairs, and they have super high mark up on parts. If you call them out on it, then they will try to walk back their quote with a lower quote. This is 100% dishonest! Not a place I want working on my car ever again. read more

Just moved to the area and decided to try out this garage around the corner from my house. I checked reviews online and all seemed good. I brought my car here and was greeted professionally and given information like that they have been a family run business for years! The work they did on my car was quick and reasonable, very happy with them and will continue to bring my car here! Thank you Bartels and Rodney for being on top of things! read more

I took my car to Bartels they repaired a power steering pump BUT only replaced one hose instead of two The one they didn't replace after months started leaking they wanted to charge me an additional 500 dollars to fix that leak I already paid the in repairs they did not have enough sense to ask me if I wanted all the hoses on the pump replaced this is deceptive and they are scammers Don't trust them they will have you back getting more money from you in no time Very dishonest and disappointing Be aware read more

Second time I bring it in for an oil change on my 2013 GTI... second time I have oil on my garage floor afterwards. The only positive is that these guys care about their customers and stayed after hours to fix the issue. read more

Bartel's Auto Clinic - Auto Repair Near Me - Carol Stream, Illinois

I cannot believe this place. UNASHAMED scammers. Dropped off my car for an estimate. They proceeded to do work without calling. I called the next day since I hadn't heard anything. They tell me it'll take a WEEK to get my car back because they had already started work WITHOUT ASKING!! I had paperwork showing the appointment was supposed to be for a quote ONLY. Now I was without a car that I needed. No help getting a rental, just told to deal with it. Finally the car was ready, I went to pick it up. Manager asks to see me. I am getting ready to explain why I'm so upset and how unprofessional this is when he tells me that the window had been broken last night. They'd be happy to replace the window but could not be held liable for theft of the radio. I called the police and they said this was in accordance with posted policies so there wasn't anything for me to do other than civil lawsuit I paid, took my car, and am pursuing the slightest bit of justice by warning you all TO DO ANYTHING BUT GO HERE!!!! They shouldn't be in business. Literally anywhere else would have been a better choice Time will tell if they actually did any work on my car but I'd never follow up with these blatant criminals. Disgusting. read more

My battery was dead, and after I charged it, the dashboard lights went crazy, indicating that there might be problems with the transmission and other systems. Although I didn't have an appointment, I went to Bartel's, and they did a quick diagnostic. They replaced the battery and checked out everything. The cost was reasonable and everyone was extremely helpful and informative. read more

I have been going to Bartell's for quite a few years now. I have learned to tell them up front that I do not want an inspection as they inspect it and then enlighten you on what is currently wrong with the vehicle. I understand this can be beneficial to some. I do not need this as I have a mechanic that I work with regularly; I express this to them every single time I go in. They usually abide by my wishes and do an oil change only. My mother was in from out of town this week. She and I both needed oil changes so we both went. We both declined and inspection because we BOTH have mechanics that we work with REGULARLY! The owner came out and greeted us, which was a first. I thought it was a nice guesture and good customer service. However, the owner again came out and proceeded to tell us of everything that was wrong with our cars, even though we said we did NOT want that. I even said it aloud to him, that we weren't interested in inspection results. He ignored my position, told me I need a lot of help with my vehicle or I need to replace it, then tried to push my 75 year-old mother into a service she was UNINTERESTED in by making her feel bad. She literally told him no and he proceeded to push her. I have never been so taken aback by the audacity of a business owner. I am absolutely appalled by the the way we were treated and presumed ignorant......BY THE OWNER! He one hundred percent lost my business indefinitely. read more

I took my car in for an oil change. This establishment has a 28 point inspection that they do just to let you know if there is anything else going on. Okay, so maybe to let me know if the brakes are needing to replaced soon or something, sure. But this guy comes out to bring me in the back of the shop to show me where my power steering pump is leaking and he proceeds to tell me it's so dangerous that this MUST be fixed today. He's so concerned about my safety and if I don't fix this I am heading for a serious failure that will just happen at any moment like it's a ticking time bomb. The estimate he shows me to replace the pump and rack, because the boots around that are also leaking, is $2050. When I gasp at the cost he wants to ease my fear with the fact that they have financing available...... I tell the guy I won't be doing anything today, just the oil change. That if this is needed I can bring it back this week. He wants to schedule the appointment now. It's very urgent and he's so concerned for my safety. Oh, and when I asked how much fluid they had to replace in the steering fluid because of this leak? They said it wasn't down enough to warrant the need for any additional fluid, but that means they've caught this issue early. Now, the last time I brought my car to this place several years ago they tried telling me that my u-joint had a master seal leak and that that was an urgent issue and going to be $1500 to repair. I took my car to the dealership to find out if that was true and if it would be covered under the warranty and the dealership said they saw nothing outside of normal wear and tear. Nothing was ever done and that urgent safety issue wasn't pointed out this time. Now I'm convinced this place lures you in with a coupon for an oil change and scares people into needless services. read more

Well educated/experienced and competent techs. Very professional clent interface personnel. No "strong arm" techniques to upsell you.

Be careful if you choose to take your car here! I've had my car examined a few times and every single time I go in, they take HOURS to repair something that should take 30 minutes to do. They are extremely rude, disrespectful, and inconsiderate. Furthermore, they take an hour to examine your car and scam you out of hundreds of dollars because they act like your car is going to break down immediately if you don't get everything replaced right away. Also, if you choose to not get all of the recommended repairs done right away, they mock you and speak down to you. I would give this business 0 stars, but a 1 star rating is being extremely generous. It's unfortunate how they conduct business, but I will be taking my time and money to a repair shop that actually cares about their customers and does not try to scam them out of money. read more

Brought my car in to be diagnosed for some noise/bumping while driving. They went ahead and replaced a cv joint for $677 (super high end for a Corolla). I just paid it as I'm in the middle of a move. Got my car back, issue persists, I bring it back in. I am then told that the issue was my brakes and I should just "drive it out", essentially telling me that I just wasted $700... I try driving it for a block and it is undrivable on a main road. Then they offer to fix the problem for an additional $320 of labor cost only as they can warranty the old parts, which is insulting. I talked the additional down to $100. The one time I don't just do it myself, I get this nonsense. I liked the way they operated regularly, but I didn't like the way the manager tried to keep things off the books. They get two stars because they were quick and the non manager shop guys were really nice and communicated well. But that doesn't make up for me being out almost a grand for a job that could have been $320 total and didn't take a whole day from my move in back and forths. You can look at any car and find at least 5 problems that need fixing. Picking your battles is what separates the common folk from the mechanic. The cv joint was not the problem. They should have informed me of the joint's spotty condition, but fixed the brakes on priority. This was the classic scenario that everyone is afraid of. I was gouged and shafted and will not go back. Shame because I would have otherwise recommended this place to anyone. read more

While they didn't necessarily do poor work, this place was a robber and my car was returned to me with "uncalled for" type mishaps - 4 DAYS LATER!! I took in my '92 Camaro, which what I thought would be a $500 job maximum for a fuel pump problem, and ended up spending around $1600 dollars. My car, although its in great shape, is probably not even worth $1500 dollars. In hindsight, I should have taken it to get a few more quotes. They charged me $149.95 for a diagnostics test, which I guess is necessary on most cars if you want to really find out what is going wrong. However, most other places charge significantly less for a diagnostics test (perhaps between $60 and $100 maximum), which takes only a few minutes. So right there, Im up near $170 after tax for just a test. First red flag. I ended up needing a new fuel pump which cost me $650 (actual part value about $350). Now I understand you have to pay for "labor", but I think I got robbed. $300 in labor? Even if their labor is $100 bucks an hour, I am sure this part doesn't take 3 hours to put on. Then, I was told that in order for them to access the fuel pump, they would have to manipulate most of my exhaust system. And since most of my exhaust system was "rusted", they charged me another $650 for all new pipes and such from the catylytic converter back. Again, I can't see a few long pipes and a muffler and labor equaling $650 dollars. I have seen my exhaust put on by Merlin's and Midas in the past in maybe an hour's time tops. The exhaust itself still had a few more years of life. Another ploy at making a quick buck, they simply didn't want to put my old exhaust pipes back on. HERE ARE THE REAL KICKERS! - When I got the car back (4 DAYS LATER!!!), I popped the hood and noticed they didn't even put the air filter cover back on! It was just sitting there atop the engine - I drove home 5 miles like this when this cover could have fallen inside the engine and CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE to the running car!!! Talk about the most basic of concepts overlooked. How could this happen? It literally requires just hand-adjusting a wingnut to the cover. - When I checked the "check list", they told me they had checked the automatic transmission fluid and listed it to be "brown" and "needs replacing." However, I knew that I HAD THIS REPLACED JUST A FEW MONTHS EARLIER AT ANOTHER PLACE! So I checked it myself, and the transmission fluid was red, and completely fine. Either somebody didn't know what they were checking, or this was a ploy to try and get me to spend another $150 to have them replace something that didn't need replacing. - When I took the car in, it was a FULL tank of gas. The odometer had about 8 miles on it from being reset from my last gas fill-up. Now, I can only assume they had to remove the gas tank and drain the gas in order to put in the new fuel pump - otherwise, where did all the gas go? When I got the car back, however, the odometer read 11 miles (they drove a few miles to test-drive - which is okay) but the gas tank needle was barely hovering at 1/4. So, it seems they simply refilled the gas tank with the 'bare minimum of gas' despite me bringing it there with a full tank - they should have complely refueled the tank or taken that cost of gas they refused to fill OFF MY BILL. - Finally, they enclosed a customer care card to be filled out to rate their work and leave comments, etc. One of the check mark boxes asked if you would like them to call you, to which I checked YES. Almost a month later, I have never received a call back, and am not planning on getting one either. The car runs fine now, but I believe I was taken. Most people are at the mercy of an auto mechanic though, but I think this place is basically a robber, and unprofessional. I am now $1600 poorer for a car I will probably end up selling for less than that in say 6 months time. Unless you personally know these people or have had work done there for years and are satisified, I would look elsewhere for at least some quotes, or at mimum, the diagnostics test. See one place I highly recommend below. I did get to use a $100 off coupon, which I guess helped for something. However, when you have a total like I do, it's not a huge deal to have $100 taken off. That is basically just the tax taken off... From my standpoint, NOT RECOMMENDED. Last Note: Please also see the dozens of 1-star reviews not only in this main section, but in the "not recommended" section towards the bottom of the page. Unless 80 people are lying, something is without a doubt "off" at this place. * If anybody here is in or near the West Chicago area, I highly recommend taking your car to T & S Specialties (read their many 5 star reviews). They are family owned, VERY fair with pricing, very nice, and do outstanding work and will not try to sell you unnecessary stuff just to make some extra bucks. Here is a link to their page with more info: https://www.yelp.com/biz/t-s-specialties-west-chicago read more

I used their services for several years and then started to experience a strong emphasis on upselling services. In fact, I even overheard the lead sales managers brag to the owner (Pat) about how had increased his sales over the past few months. I stopped using them after they told me that my car needed major surgery and they classified it as an emergency (aka high potential for catastrophic failure) type of repair. I sought a second option (at Honda of Lisle) and they found no such problems. That was several years ago and I have not yet had the problem that Bartel's said was "imminent". I called Bartel's after the second opinion and asked for the owner, whom I personally know. He was not there, so I left a message. He never returned the call. Buyer beware... read more

The other day my car was having transmission issues so I brought it in hoping they could help real quick. They lifted my car and started flooring the gas, switching gears real hard and then told me my transmission is shot and it would be $4k. Knowing my car is not worth that much I said no deal. When I tried to drive home, my car was probably in twice as bad of shape as I brought it in and barely made it home. The next day I tried to start it and it wouldn't even crank. read more

They will use pressure tactics to upsell services. They will also overcharge services. Don't bother using their free oil change.

After being dissapointed for the third time by my previous mechanic, I was recommended Bartel's by a friend of mine. I had a very pleasent experience with Chris as I described what I was hearing and said he would be in touch. About an hour or so later, he texts me with a video showing what was wrong which I really appreciated. We followed up with a phone call and we went over what needed to be done. I had my car back within a few hours and can definently say I'll be back for any maintenance and services I need in the future. I always love supporting family owned businesses and its a plus when they make their customers feel like family! read more

Our son's car was in need of a tow last night. I consulted our AAA Roadside assistance app. One of the places that came up to have the car towed to, was Bartel's in Carol Stream. We had never used this place before, but I had a gut feeling, it was the right choice, out of the (at least 12) choices that came up on the app. We could not have been more satisfied and happy with the work from Trevor and the staff at Bartel's. They were efficient, fair, honest, quick and reliable. They took pictures of the issues the car was having, and text them over to me, so I could make a decision based on what they said and saw. No pressure at all. They did a safety inspection of the entire car and replaced some filters and brake lights at no charge. What?? The communication and friendliness was top notch. As a woman, I hate doing the mechanic thing. I really feel out of my element. But not one time did I feel that way with this business. I highly recommend Bartel's Auto Clinic. read more

The folks at Bartel's do fine work. I would not say that there is a performance issue. I would not fear that they would ruin my car, BUT they might take my wallet. They put together a laundry list of things that needed to be fixed on my husband's car. While they needed to be done, the way they priced it out they looked after themselves, and did not look for the least expensive way to do the work. We took the list to 2 other mechanics and both were 30% less. Mostly because they would combine various jobs to maximize my labor dollar. So, if you are in a bind, Bartel's is probably fine. Just keep a tight leash on your wallet, because they are EXPENSIVE!!! read more

Charged for a part that was not installed. When I asked about why I was charged for this part even though they did not install it, the response was "well the labor charge for what we did would've offset the cost anyway", even though I was already charged $45 for labor. How can you charge someone for a part that was not installed? read more

I was driving out of my work parking lot and hit a well-placed pothole at the end of the lot. Next thing I know, it sounds like the bottom of my car dropped out and is now grinding itself to pieces on the asphalt. Yeah, I know nothing about cars, but I did figure out that the piece of car dragging along the ground was my muffler. Fantastic. My kind co-worker reattached the muffler with a coathanger (on a 90* day, on the hot asphalt, bless his little soul, and yes, I gave him a gift card for that), and sent me on my way. I stopped by Bartel's because it was on the way home from work. I told them the problem and asked if they could do it and give me an oil change at the same time. They said sure. They took my car in right away, on the spot, and told me it would take about an hour or so. They told me the screw had snapped in half in the hanger of the muffler and it needed to be drilled out, for which they charged me $30. They didn't charge me anything else than that and the oil change, which was $20-something bucks. My kindly coworker had told me the screw had snapped in half, so I know they weren't just going for a few extra bucks. Honesty is a plus. While I waited, I read their nice selection of magazines, talked to another client (whose wife I work with - small world), and drank several cups of coffee, which was pretty good. The waiting area was clean and comfortable, and their bathroom was clean as well, which is good to know when one ingests several free cups of coffee. I came out of there within an hour and a half or so, with an oil change and a rehung-muffler. The only reason I'm giving a star down is because, as other reviewers mentioned, they handed me a list of things I needed to get fixed as soon as possible. The list included roughly $1,000 worth of repairs. I've been to other shops in a few months worth of time, and no one gave me such a large list or such a nice big quote. I'm not sure whether or not my car really needs all these things, so I'm sure I'll take it somewhere and get a second opinion, so I can't say perhaps these things weren't truly necessary and they were really doing me a favor. I also have to give them credit for giving me this list AFTER having me pay my bill. They could have come out and tried to pressure me into getting all this done while they were fixing my car. But they didn't. So that's good. All in all, no major issues. I'd go back. :0) read more

Worst place to take car in that I ever experienced. Not only do I have warranty on my tire that is still giving me issues. They will not replace they will only spray the tire. Also they have freaked me out before thinking if I don't get other stuff fixed my car is going to start on fire. Witch was not true. I can't bleave this place is still in business. Thanks for the un needed stress. read more

Criminals. Long story short - read the rest of the reviews and STAY AWAY! I had to threaten police involvement and ended up hiring a lawyer after they allegedly provided over $1,000 in unauthorized services and refused to release my vehicle until I paid. Rude, incompetent, uneducated, and will probably be sent out of business forever with the pandemic. HOPEFULLY!!! read more

They didn't try to sell us anything! Hubby just took his car in here for an oil change and to have the battery checked. He was also worried about the brakes and asked to have them looked at. They checked it out and told him he didn't need brakes or a battery, but he needed tires. There was no spiel for buying THEIR tires. They also fixed a rattle by putting a clamp on the muffler. All this for $33.93! He dropped the car off and it took 2 hours for this, so who knows how long it would take if he waited. Usually they are a little more speedy if you're sitting around. The inside of the facility is clean and it's pretty brand new. It's always hard to find a good mechanic, so check this place out if you need one! read more