I really want to give them 4.5 stars but there were just so many hiccups. I ended up needing a new transmission. My warranty suggested Bartel's. Turns out, lucky me, the transmission was on back order. Took a about a month for it to arrive. Once I was able to pick up my car k thought it would be smooth sailing. Due to various issues, some which were the fault of the shop. I ended up having to return about 4 times. The only reason I did not get as upset as I should have is because the guys were great. Great customer service. They kept me in the loop as to what was going on. I really liked the staff. I would go back again because good customer service is hard to find these days. The mechanics and the guys at the front desk were great!! read more

Unfortunately I am no longer a member of Bartels. Me and my wife actually stopped going there months ago. The first review that I made was really good and I like their service but after that service i had another car issue that popped up a month or two later and they would check out my car again. It got to the point where they were unable to fix my car but it kept trying to charge me for stuff that wasn't guaranteeing it to be fixed. This place was taken advantage of my kindness and they were having my car for a couple weeks but not doing anything with it. They charged me almost $900 just to change a spark plug. That makes no sense at all and it took a few hours just to do it. When I got my car back one time I found a cigarette butt too in the air filter. The fees that they have here are just ridiculous. I eventually just said that I just had enough my car because it's beyond repair and it was probably more cheaper in the long run to buy a new car than to keep giving Bartels my money for something that will never be fixed. My heart is broken because I really enjoyed coming here and I brought a few people over to give them a try. I will look elsewhere still for the time being for a new repair person for when my current car wants to throw in a towel. read more

They scheduled me an appointment for an estimate on repairs. I waited there 50 minutes and my car did not move. I asked how much longer to get me car evaluated. They came back and said another 45-60 minutes. How rude to make someone wait that long that has an appointment. So I left. read more

I had them towed my car. They said they would waive that fee if I get it service to their shop. They didnt waive it. They did waive the diagnostic fee, I'll give them props to that part. They wanted to changed the battery. I told them I just replaced it last week. Would've cost me hundreds of bucks. They were recommending fluid replacements and cabin filter. I told them not to replace the cabin filter, since I replaced it recently as well. When I looked in the invoice they replaced it and charge me with it anyways. I called them out on it and only got the labor fee deleted. Still charge me with 60 bucks for the part. If you see that the cabin filter clean why bother changing it????!?! Lastly, they didn't properly tighten my rear passenger side wheel. Some of the bolts were loose and lost. I had to go to a Honda dealership to get it serviced again. I was told the lug nuts were loose and I could've lose a tire. Otherwise Staff were awesome and knowledgeable. Been going to this auto shop for years now, honestly I think I'll go somewhere else in the future. read more

I just picked up my car from Bartel's. Was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of the staff, the quickness of the service, and the fair pricing. I own 5 vehicles and they have earned my business going forward. read more

I only gave them one start because I had to. Took a vehicle in for a single repair only to have them send videos with tires and calipers removed. Telling me I need brakes. I didn't ask for all that. Then tried charging me $1500 for a part that I could get from the dealer for less than half of that. I called their bluff and I left with my car paying nothing. Not even diagnostic fees. Do yourself favor and go somewhere else. These guys are crooks read more

We paid $$$ to have my blower motor wiring harnesses replaced because it would intermittently stop. I took it back twice and of course it was working and the response was bring it back when it's not working. After doing some digging I found that the connection that they allegedly replaced for 1200 dollars was shorted. I replaced it and the resistor for 120 bucks and works great now. Short story is I should have just done it myself and saved the 1200. My granddaughter has been there for oil changes and they find "problems " each time to scare her. So far none of the findings a year later including needing an emergency brake job. Just finished the brakes and they could get her another 6 months easily after lasting an additional year. read more

We bought a used handicap van in October 30, 2024. It broke down on me one day in May. Bartel's was VERY thorough and found lots wrong with the van and fixed it all! I would recommend them to anyone! read more

I don't know where to begin. Came in for an oil change, left with a strong urine smell coming from my back seats. Service was poor, took 2 hours for them to do an oil change on my truck. When I asked them about the urine smell, they blamed it on me saying that their employees would never sabotage a customer's vehicle. The workers were very disrespectful, and even made fun of me for being Korean. I saw them making squinty eyed faces in the back and even heard them say "stupid chink". I would not recommend this place to anyone, $117 for a semi-synthetic oil change is outrageous. read more

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. I felt harassed by 3 workers, which one of them asked call my mother and speak to her, how f**ing weird?? They made it super difficult to get my keys back to drive my car home. I was honestly scared. I was told over the phone that they had to see my car in person to give an estimate on new brakes. The price was 800 for just front brakes. I was told it would take "just 10 minutes!" over the phone, then when I got there they said 20-30 minutes. But it actually took a whole 50 minutes after arguing with them and telling them that i did not have time and was not going to use them for a service. Unprofessional and tried to pressure me to leave my car there and pay that outlandish price. read more

I wish there was an option for no stars for this review, honestly. I just picked up my car that's been sitting for no reason for 81 days at Bartels in Oswego. Makes me wonder now how many of their fully filled parking spots have cars just like mine sitting for no reason! In late January, my car stopped working in the middle of my drive to work. All of the dash lights came on, so I pulled over and had to get it towed. We chose Bartels originally because we trusted them with some other repairs I had last year. Wow was I wrong for trusting them EVER! My car needs a new chip, which has been on backorder with Kia for quite awhile. These supposed "auto mechanics" never told me that my valet mode would let my car run in the mean time. Why did it take them nearly 3 months of my car just sitting on their property for them to inform us that is actually does run and I actually could be using it to go to work everyday? They're extremely lucky I didn't have to rent a car for 81 days because I borrowed my husband's car instead. I'm just absolutely astounded by this whole situation... I have never been this angry in my life! Shame on you, Bartels! No one should ever trust your judgement with cars for anything! read more

I am so impressed with Bartel's. Courteous and professional from drop off to pick up. Mike very friendly and took the time to tell me about the company and the services offered. They gave me a ride home and offered to pick me up. Mike kept me informed thru the whole process. My car was ready at time promised. Appreciate it is a family business. It is clean and bright, great first impression. My grandson brought his car in the next day and was treated with the same courtesy. It is our family go to for car repairs. Important to have a trusting relationship with our car technicians. read more

The serpentine belt broke on my daughters car in a rural Sugar Grove area. Bartels had their tow guy on site in less than 30 minutes, completed the repair and applied the cost of the tow to the final bill. The service guys Chris & Ivan are great communicators and courteous. Pricing is comparative to dealer rates and quality is just as good. I will continue to have my vehicles serviced here. read more

Reasonable price on few items that needed fixing in my Hyundai. Starter and tie rods. Was able to agree on a price for labor. Tow truck came quick to help get car to shop. All went well Chris good guy at Bartel's was able to relax while car being fixed. Car runs smooth read more

4 different quotes and 5 different pick up days.... it ended up being a 2 day repair to a 2 week repair. They kept adding to the parts list. It was a side show to say the least. I felt like they were holding my car hostage. Quote start out at $1699 walked away finally at $2034 but if you need a loaner they did give me a loaner on a positive note after I tried to pick up my car and leave. read more

Friendly accommodating trustworthy This is an excellent mechanic shop. I have brought my cars here for several years and from the owner to all staff I have dealt with can't ask for better people to trust read more

They use used parts and claim they art new. It's a directive from ownership. Unprofessional. read more

We came to Oswego for a soccer tournament from Minnesota. Car started to make squeaky noises as if the breaks were going out. These guys took the car in and found out there was probably something stuck on the breaks. I truly appreciate their professionalism and empathy to squeeze me in in short notice since I'm out of State. Highly recommend them! read more

Misleading with service and cost. Not a trustworthy place stay away! Pep boys do a much better job and no hidden costs or fees.

Wednesday I was researching my options on where to get my alignment done. I called Merlin's, Farm an Fleet an Bartel's. The price was originally $30 more at Bartel's then local competitors, but I figured I should try and support a small business to made appointment with Bartel's. While waiting for car to be done I inquired about full synthetic oil change An was told by Austin $50 +$7 for upgraded filter so $57. When alignment was done my bill went from $99 to $111. I asked why the rate changed before taxes An was told the additional $12 was for shop supplies, but couldn't be told what supplies was needed an that was normal for $12 to be added to alignment's. I called back both local competitors an asked if they charged "shop supplies" An was told no. I paid my bill an left only to find out on my way home car was still pulling to the left. Thursday Returned next day to Bartel's to have issue addressed only to be told they couldn't duplicate issue An should bring back when wasn't snowing. I agreed to do so An was given $5 off oil change. Friday When I got off work snow was off the roads so figured I would go back to Barttel's an have them look at alignment an take advantage of $5 off an get oil change. Before heading there I called to confirm the pricing after last incident. Well glad I didn't waste the time or trip I was told this time by Rob that it was $70 for full synthetic An wasn't given choice for upgraded filter said it was needed. I then asked why I was told $50 just a day ago an Rob said let me let you talk to Austin if he told you something different. Shouldn't matter who's mouth the pricing came from should be the same from anyone I have loss $114 on alignment an respect for this small business. Clearly these employees are rated or compensated on there performance in regards to sales. read more

I took my jeep in a few weeks back as it was just not running right. This is my first time using Bartel's. My experience from online scheduling to the repair was excellent. When I walked in I was greeted with a friendly guy up front that walked me through the process and explained how they do the repairs. I did not even get to work and they called me with what was wrong and what the cost would be, they also recommended a few other items to tune up. I have been driving this car for the past few weeks and this is the best it has ran since I owned this vehicle. These guys know what they are doing and price is reasonable. I will be using these guys again with my other cars. read more

Had regular maintenance done on our van. In and out on time and priced fairly. Hot coffee and water available.

Please, if you're a female do NOT bring your car here. I was stupid enough to think they wouldn't take advantage of me because of their very friendly customer service. I brought my car in for coolant leaks, paid $1600 (I had been told by others to expect that price) two weeks later I hit a pot hole and blew two tires. They had mentioned to me when I had my coolant leaks fix that they'd like me to bring it back in a week or so to check for an oil leak. So when my car went in for the tires I asked them to check for the oil leak. They told me it would be $1900 to fix the oil leaks, $400+ for the tires (normal) and that my rims were bent, I agreed to replace them for $800+. When I got my car back they never reset my tire reading, I had a friend do it so whatever. Two or so days later my car started burning through and smelling of coolant again. I was out of town and had a friend look at it. They had broken the clasp of the coolant hose. Then my car started dinging about low oil pressure but only for maybe a second or two and very randomly. Never long enough or close enough for panic. I figured my sensor was just acting up because I had work done. Till I got in my car started driving the other day, I couldn't accelerate well, jerking and the low oil pressure warning wouldn't stop. I wasn't in a place I could pull over just yet, then I saw white smoke pouring out of the back of my car. I spent $1900 for them to fix my oil leaks, maybe a month or two before just to end up with my car totaled due to oil leaks that were not fixed. Now I'm out not only an entire car but also thousands of dollars due to them taking advantage of me and my car completely totaled. Please please do not put your trust in this business. read more

Our go to for all of our vehicles..Chris is extremely helpful and great pricing. Provided us with a loaner for the day. Got us in quickly and great work would highly recommend and will continue to use there services. read more

So, it's always hard to find a worthy shop...one that won't BS you and overcharge you or try to talk you into unnecessary work, so when my private mechanic stopped doing work, we were a little nervous...my Mother in law knows nothing about cars, and was the first to try this shop. They slowed down, talked her through what she needed to know without ever speaking down to her. We've all been going there ever since. Now we're moving across country, trying to get our vehicles ready and these guys...especially Michael...have just gone above and beyond...they could have tried talking me into more work, but they focused on the important things to help our family realize our cross-country goals instead of worrying first about their bottom line. I never bother to review on Yelp, but these guys earned it. You can't go wrong here! Thanks! read more

I want Bartels to tell me exactly when it was then that my window was broken!!! Because I had so much going on, with having a 8mo baby, in my hands...It took me to get down the road a little bit to see the crack, then I come back and your salesman seemed like you guys would take care of it...proceeded to take a picture of the crack from 2 feet and can't get good pic...Im supposed to look at a video from 30 feet, fuzzy pic, and say yea I don't see the crack either...TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, STOP MAKING EXCUSES... I'm done with the reviews on you guys online, like I told Chris, I deal with many people in the area, clients, family and friends and am now going to great lengths to tell them about my experience so that they won't make the same mistake in dealing with the Bartels!!!! read more

This place is great! They have always done a great job and surprise me with the quotes I've gotten for things such as brake replacements that were lower than I expected. Their oil change service is a little higher than some other places, but 1) it comes with a complete check on all your car's systems and 2) they always (if you live in the area) send out great coupons that knock the price down. That mentioned above, coupled with the fact that they have very long hours (7am-7pm M-F and 8am-4pm on Sat), earns this place 4-stars in my book. So, why the 5th star? They have a certain thing that is missing more and more from not only auto repair shops, but stores in general. This is a little something I call customer service. They have this in spades. Example: I was driving with my brother and we stopped to get our hair cut even though it was dangerously close to their closing time on Saturday. My brother drives pretty fast and we are dudes... so we could get in 2 haircuts in much less time than say a female getting the same. So, we risked it and would have made it save a massive traffice jam due to small strip of road construction that had just started that weekend. I called the place and apologized that we would be 15 minutes late to pick up my car. He said no problem... so, long story slightly less long: I show up an hour later and there he is waiting patiently. I felt terrible to be wasting his Saturday and yet he kept a smile and was nothing less an extremely curtious. He even offered me a bottle of water (it was a hot day). I don't know. This is more and more rare in my experience. Sure, maybe he went home and ripped me a new one to his wife or significant other... but that's what use to make American's working class great. You put in a hard day's work, busting your ass, and then you go home and it's either the topic of conversation at dinner while you enjoy your big piece of chicken... or you bond over that and similar stories with guys at the bar. Now it's: "hey, I'm tired and pissed off and every customer I meet today will feel my discontent, whether they contributed to it or not." Not here, however, I was a jerk, wasted his time, and still I recieved the "valued customer" treament. His reward? He receives my loyalty as a returning customer ...and this gushing endorsement on Yelp, of course. read more

Had to take a STAR away. This is my 2nd visit where I had to haggle over a coupon or $$-off discount deal. C'mon guys: If you're going to offer YELP deals or coupons, train your staff about them. Don't make your customers feel cheap, like we're trying to get something you've not offered us. read more

I have my regular mechanic in Batavia Illinois who's phenomenal in every way and I'm biased against dump holes like Firestone and other chain repair shops for million reasons. I had driven out to visit my mother in Montgomery and because she's recovering from surgery can't drive I took her car to get an oil change and car wash, no sooner I leave the car wash the car completely dies 5 miles or so from the house and I'm 30 miles from my house and have to be at work in 3 hours!! I'm like "Fuck me I'm completely screwed" I call my mother to let her know everything's ok I'm not being zipped up in a bag with state troopers looking in my pants for ID or anything it's just a problem with the car. My phone says closet repair shop was Bartels down the road, I immediately recognize it's the same shop name as the one close to my home 30 miles away and already I'm tightening my shorts string to avoid the pending ass raping that will surely ensue. I called them asked if they had tow truck service, explained what happened, the urgency and where I was. Within 14 minutes (I time everything it seems) a tow truck shows up and takes me and the car to Bartels and I'm treated like family which at the time seemed like a sales pitch because my mother didn't get the bill, they hadn't looked at it yet so yeah everybody's family until your punched out and wallets missing right? I was going to use my uber phone app to get back to my car having to be at work soon and the guys like ok Sir we have her number and will call her before we do anything and this man will give you a ride wherever you gotta go....? I'm like wth? And I was looking forward to crashing into a house or tree with my drug addict uber driver, but alright thank you! So I hop into an Escalade or Tahoe I forget becasuse the guy who turned out to be the owners son 3rd generation or so and I wanna say his name was Jim??? I was really flustered at the time so forgive me for forgetting, but he's like where are we going? And we were off. I asked if the shop near my home was the same and he said yes and he could take me home (30 bleeping miles away) if need be because he lives out that way anyways, I just knew all of this was to good of service and hospitality to be true, I was dead wrong. You can fake a ton of shit, especially in the automotive repair or sales business, but this guy and his employees were 100% genuine and honest and frankly the coolest folks I've come across in any type of service area. He dropped me off and I said that I had forgotten to pay the tow truck driver and he put the car in park grabbed a baseball bat.... KIDDING Joking... anyways he said no worries whatsoever it's just part of the repairs, I thanked him and assured my mother everything was going to be alright. Next day, she calls me in the greatest mood saying that everything was taken care of AND they had picked her up!!! (remember she's using a walker and moves as fast as a DMV employee coming back from lunch) .. they fixed the problem which on a German car a problem can mean 20 bucks or 2k bucks and also saw her serpentine belt was about to go which I can 1000% verify that it was because my mechanic said it needed replacement just before she couldn't drive anymore. The entire bill was not only honest, fair, but they could have EASILY taken advantage of her, I mean she's the textbook "sorry ma'am your rocket thruster flamshooter went out it's gonna be 500 bucks" lady. Not only did they take car of my mother far beyond what they needed to do, they made it CRYSTAL CLEAR that they deserve everybody's business including mine now. Thank you Bartels. read more

If I could give them 0 stars I would. They've had my car for a month and a half for an insurance claim. When I finally got the car back the next day my car wouldn't start. I jumped the car and majority of the dash lights came on. Don't bring your car here they'll give it back with more issues than you brought it in with. read more

Normally this is my go-to place for auto repairs, my last visit had some hiccups. Primarily went in to have my oil pan seal repaired, in the process it was damaged taking it off. What should have been approximately one and a half to two hours, took closer to 4. It sounded like I was going to be charged for the oil pan that they damaged. After some conversation, they said they were not going to charge me. Also they did not investigate the proper way to change my headlights. Received a much higher charge then was proper for my car. Found out they looked up wrong car mine could be replaced through the engine compartment. I understand items can be a bear to take off after being on for a while, but when it sounded like I was being charged for an oil pan I was not pleased, also they are usually very thorough about giving close estimates, but this time they were way off. Final bill was considerably higher then initial estimate, In fairness I did add replacing my light bulbs. Hopefully this was a one-time deal, and they will be next time their usual efficient establishment. I will use them again. read more

Bartel's Auto Clinic - Auto Repair Near Me - Oswego, Illinois

I have taken my honda pilot there twice first time was to get my catalytic converter fixed which they did ok with that the problem I had was with the second time I took it to get my rack and pinion replaced after I did that it was a nightmare trying to keep things from breaking almost like it was on purpose so I'd come back to keep having things fixed anyways I caught them in a lie when they told me they fixed the switch for my brake light for free but when I took it to another shop I trusted and watched him take out a broken switch for my lights...he told me it looked like it was never changed and the tip of it was dirty (which you don't touch so how's it get dirty???) I'll never ever come here again don't know if it was the tech that was dishonest or the manager but because of one of em they lost my business forever please do not take your vehicle here read more

These guys were awesome called at 1 on a Friday took my truck in at 2. Was finished with a complete brake job and wheel bearing replacement by 4:30. They also kept my informed what was going on with pictures and texts. Also my total came in about 100$ less than they estimated. Very friendly and professional. Highly recommend this shop. Thanks Bartel's read more

I wish I could give them 0 stars. They claim to be short staffed so I understand but it seems like no one knows what they are doing. Don't come here especially if you have no insurance!!! Only reason I came to them was because I saw they covered carmax warranty. They took 3 weeks to "fix" my car. They didn't even fix the issue. It took 2 loaner vehicles. I had gotten it back after a week and the check engine light had turned on again the day after I got it so I took it back. They had all week to check it but waited till the end of the week so it took even longer. I don't feel comfortable with my car anymore I feel like something is still wrong with it. Very unsatisfied. read more

This has been my go to auto shop for everything from oil changes to engines. The customer service is fantastic. They are easy to communicate, hard working, honest and fair prices. Christopher (shop manager) is personable and proactive, Austin is amazing at taking care of my vehicle, always explaining things in a way in which I completely understand, Joshua is a great asset to the company and Cindy is attune to customer needs. All in all I would and do highly recommend Bartel's. read more

These guys are a class act. The cream of the crop!!! Our car broke down on the side of the highway and we got towed to Bartels 10 minutes before they closed on a Saturday. They went way way way out of their way to help get our young family back on our way...and did it all with smiles. When most people would have been grumbling or rude, these guys were super pleasant. They managed to find the problem, order the part and have it delivered the very next morning, a SUNDAY, and then proceeded to fix our car on (again) a SUNDAY to get us back on our road trip. WOW. You just don't hear of this kind of thing anymore. We hope this review will (in a small way) return the huge favor you guys did for us. read more

Honest and skilled! I had been hearing a knocking noise every time I turned right. After keeping it over night and giving me a complimentary ride home. They found the issue to be only a $30 fix. So glad honest garages are still around! read more

Had my tires changed here, they had to change my tire pressure monitor sensor too (which was an additional 100$) cause it broke. I picked up my car with the TPMS light/warning still on and was told that if it doesn't turn off until the next day (cause they told me, sometimes it just needs to be driven a little bit more for it to adjust), just go back to the shop and they'll fix it. I came back after 2 days cause the warning light still on, only to find out that their computer couldn't really fix the TPMS light because of something about my car's year and model (twas a 2008 Lancer). And also found out that I need to go to the dealership cause theyre the only ones that could fix it (for which they charge 66$ - just for the diagnostic test). I should've just went to the dealership to get my tires and TPMS changed instead of spending more $$$ read more

I just moved to this town and didn't know where to take my car and then this place came up as being close by. When I went Shawn *sp was very welcoming and walked me through everything that needed to be fixed and even offered to physically show me why. I couldn't afford everything at once and he understood and wasn't pushy about it, he told me to give him a call when I was ready to finish the job. Wonderful place, they definitely have my business. read more

Once again had a positive experience. They always do quality work, and don't try to up sale you. Highly recommend!