Had a check engine light come on in Madison while traveling from New Hampshire to Washington State. Had an oil change down the road, guy told us we had a transmission leak and to take it to a shop. Brought it to Car-X and had them look at it, they got us right in. The guys did a multipoint inspection on our vehicle after they heard of our long road trip. Checked all the fluids, checked the tires, battery, codes....filled out tires with air, wiper fluid...and looked at the transmission. In the end they were honest, stating the leak was not major or concerning. Gave a brief rundown of future needs. And didn't charge us a dime. Would HIGHLY recommend this place for fast, friendly, honest service. This shop was the best part of our stop in WI. read more

Car-X Tire & Auto - Tires Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Took my 2015 Lincoln MKZ in for a minor vibration in the steering wheel. They test drove it and checked the wheel bearings and other steering components, but said it all looked normal to them. No charge for the inspection! Impressive! I recently had all tires replaced with all-season tires that have a fairly aggressive tread. Assume that's the way it is :) The tire dealer double checked the balance, so no, not a balance issue. read more

I had Car X install new ignition coils to resolve a cylinder 5 misfire error code under hard acceleration. The misfire code persisted despite the repair, so I brought it back. Car X could not diagnose anything else on the second attempt. I finally had a different repair shop analyze it, and the mechanic determined that Car X installed a faulty ignition coil by Duralast. I am now seeking reimbursement for the defective part, but I ended up paying more total to have a second shop remedy the initial repair, which should have been caught by Car X when I brought it back. read more

I'm not a big fan of the "big service" shops. I like to find my neighborhood mechanic, or that "small shop" that gives you an honest evaluation and fair prices. However, I had an alignment coupon for Car X, so I brought my vehicle in there for the deal. Part of the deal is a free 30-point inspection, which I welcomed being that we're going on a big road trip in 2 days. The visit stopped at the inspection. The guy at the counter (K.C.) brought me back to the van to meet the mechanic (Marshall) and show me a few things. First, the tie rod end was loose and needed replacing. And I thought, "uuuuugh, here it comes..." But they were kind enough to SHOW me how it was loose, and tell me that's an easy job that I could do myself (having talked earlier about doing my own struts, brakes, etc.). So wow - thanks for that! They also pointed out the serpentine belt, which I kinda knew was overdue. While K.C. typed up an estimate, Marshall sat down with me to talk about the vehicle (which he knows a TON about). He gave me some good advice on the key things to do to make it last a long, long time. Free advice - how awesome! Additionally, he gold-starred my decisions on struts and shocks - a choice that I had fretted about, but now feel vindicated. So tonight I get to replace my tie rod end and bring it back to them for alignment. And, for their hospitality, I'll throw in an overdue transmission flush job. Great job, guys! read more

I'm skeptical of mechanic shops. That skepticism increases when it's a chain, even a small chain. But if you want to get an oil change done cheap, you have to go somewhere willing to lose money on it in hopes of bringing in a new customer. For the most part, that's chains. So then you have to be really perceptive about when they're trying to upcharge you for something or when they legitimately found a problem. Car-X runs a 3 for $50 oil change special that has kept me going back for years. And yes, they do the "full XYZ points check" designed to uncover whatever work you need done. Yes they usually find something. But no, I dont think they've ever tried to be dishonest or deceptive and tried to upsell me on something the car didnt actually need. A couple times I took them up on their offer. Their prices were standard shop prices-- usually they base it on how many hours the book says the job will take, plus parts cost (with a significant markup). So they werent "a deal" but werent unreasonable either. Basically, I go there for my oil changes, and when we discover other work that needs to be done, I price compare. Sometimes it's worth paying extra for the convenience of having it done right there. Sometimes I'd rather take it to my regular mechanic who will give me a better deal. But, knowing that they wont be the cheapest, I feel like I can trust them. And I appreciate a great oil change deal. read more

Long story short: decent service, expensive, but also willing to work with you. I took my car in two summers ago because my air conditioning stopped working. I was told I needed a new compressor and quoted $600 or $800 (it's been awhile, can't remember which of the two it was). I decided to just deal with it and save the money. It was miserable, but then cold weather came and I sort of forgot about it. Cue last summer and the first hot day out of nowhere and I was motivated to fork over the cash and not spend the season sweating. I called Car-X to check on the quote and they were able to give it to me, but said they'd need to check the car out again to make sure the diagnosis was correct and look for any additional issues. I dropped it off and found that not only did the compressor need replacing, but the condenser was on its way out and needing replacing as well. They didn't know when it would go, it could be days or months, but it was going to give out. The combo of parts and labor was going to land me around $1500. I wanted to just replace the compressor and then take care of the condenser when the time came, but they wouldn't one repair without the other. Apparently a damaged condenser can ruin the compressor, so they won't fix one without the other. With my costs doubled out of nowhere I told the person I was working with (I'm blanking on his name but it was something European like Boris or Klaus or Thor) I had to think about it and started pricing parts online. The mark up was insane (compressor kits are in the $250 range, condensers $50). I called back and asked if there was any way I could purchase parts elsewhere and have them installed because the markup was so crazy, and he asked what I was finding them for. I told him, and while that wasn't an option he did look to see if he could "find any deals." He was able to bring the price down to around $1200 including labor (one or two hours). When I arrived to pick up the car the A/C was freezing cold and it did work great the entire summer, so no complaints there. When it came time to pay, I was able to stack coupons - one for A/C, one for service, and one for the oil change I also needed. Part of me will always feel like I got ripped off because I know how much the parts cost online, but at least things were installed properly and will hopefully last me the life of my car. The person I talked to was nice and understanding of my concerns. They were also the least expensive of the quotes I got and many of the smaller independent shops I talked to don't tackle air conditioning issues. Short of becoming a mechanic myself this may be one of the better options. read more

I've been into this shop twice now. Once to solve a serious front-end vibration issue and again for an oil leak. Both times, they were professional and courteous. They did a great job explaining what was wrong (or the process to determine what was wrong) and how they'd go about fixing the issue. They also have very fair pricing and quick turnaround. They get my business well into the foreseeable future. read more

I went here once because I had a Groupon. They told me my steering column was leaking and it needed to be fixed, the estimate they gave me was $1400. I took it to the Acura dealership for a second opinion and they assured me that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the car. I then told them what Car-X told me, they put it back on the rack, tested specifically for the problem with the steering column, and there was still nothing wrong. They tried to rip me off. In fairness, I posted a similar review on Google and the new Manager of the store reached out to me to ask about my experience and offered to look at the car again, himself, for free...but at that point, it was too late. Won't go back. read more

Their service is impeccable. They are so polite and involved as your car is getting worked on. They also are very knowledgeable. I usually do not let anyone touch my car with a wrench, but these guys know what they're talking about. I let them service my baby and I would recommend you this shop for your auto service needs! read more

This is for the store on Odana Road, Madison,Wi Took my daughters car in for a brake inspection. Told I needed $650 worth of work. Took it to mechanic in Verona who told me everything was in perfect working condition. Also took it to Honda dealer and was told the same. Multiple calls to shop and eventually the store owner and all I got was the run around how we do not do that ( give fake estimates) . Be very careful about spending money here as you probably do not need what they suggest. read more

Brought my car in to fix the AC and have the brake fluid flushed. When I got the car back the center console was broken. But it had taken them so long to fix the AC that I decided to just let it go. A couple months later I went elsewhere to replace my brake pads. They did a test on the brake fluid and told me that it hadn't been flushed in years. When I called car x to complain they agreed to fix the console and reimburse me for the brake fluid. But the whole thing was such a pain that I will not be going back. read more

Great place for general car repairs, tires, etc. We have gotten excellent service through the years. We first started going to the West Side Car-X because my cousin works there but we have generally been impressed with everyone, the quality and speed of the work, etc. Our experience in other states (e.g. NY) has not been good with muffler shops, but we very much recommend this place. read more

Over charged big time As I learned all carx are indendently owed and operated. Not all Carx are created equal. I have recently moved from another city and have only good thing to say of the Carx in the other town. I went to Carx when I had a muffler problem and when Carx gave me the estimate I called my old Carx and the manager talked it through and my bill dropped. All this is a lead in to the big over charge. I had a starter replaced and was called with the estimate. The service manager started in with a $500 starter+ lifetime gaurentee starter or the $400 starter plus labor. Haveing no choice I picked the cheaper model. The service manager then tried to sell a myrid of work, some justified , but at these prices I'll just take his advice and gosomewhere else and see if I really need it and I bet I can afford it. Carx always has coupons and took 10% off parts section of the bill however, with jacked up prices they are not doing anyone a favor. I used ther great internet to cheak the national average on starter replcement and I also called my old GREAT carx guy and found that the installed dealer price for a starter (the high price) is under $400 installed. The great thing about the internet (/www.repairtrust.com) and is you can cheak your price and spread the word about poor business practice. Looking for a recommendation for honest car repairs. read more

Went there 7:45AM this morning for an oil change. Was told they are doing "appointments" now and that if I could leave my car, it would be a few hours for the oil change. It's now 12:15. Still waiting on them to call me that it's done. How long does it take to do an oil change? Why should I not take my car to a drive-through oil change place next time? Ridiculous. Will not go to them again. read more

Took our son's 2005 BMW X3 to theses guys with an intermittent electrical/code problem. They rolled up their sleeves, "Doug" in and solved the problem. Thanks Doug. Bimmer back on the road and riding fine. Fair price and great service. read more

Went to this shop for an oil change with a coupon. What I found was a new "home" for anything my car needs. Dave and Brian are the nicest, most honest people I've met in this business for a long time. Hard to find and I'm lucky to have discovered them! read more

Fast, friendly and quality service. Brought in my Lexus RX300 with 195,000 miles for an inspection, as I wanted to make sure the vehicle was in good shape for my son to drive. Passed inspection except for a minor repair to the parking brake and an oil change. Car-X has maintained this vehicle for over 10 years and has always dealt with me with honesty and integrity. read more

Will never take my car back to this place. IMPORTANT - Do not pay any attention to their LIFETIME warranties on service/parts. Took my car in to get the muffler replaced due to the previous one (they installed) fell off. I thought "this shouldn't be to expensive since it has a lifetime warranty" . MY BILL WAS ALMOST $350 for a $30 muffler. I could have taken it anywhere else and it done for less so their warranty is useless. They use the warranty to get you in and take more money...then they over charge. My attorney will be following up with CarX The WARRANTY IS A BAIT AND SWITCH SCAM....BE VERY CAREFUL! I have never posted anything to Yelp but this experience was so bad I had to. read more

I went there because my Car broke down few miles from the location. I spent about 700 in the repairs they suggested. After a month, I started to have some issues and I went to get a second opinion. I was told that all the services I got done at carX were not necessary and the actual problem was something totally different, and didn't cost as much. They ripped me off. read more

After losing my regular mechanic, I started taking my car to Car-X for oil changes and other routine things. They mentioned to me that they are a full service shop that can do many other mechanical repairs so I tried them out on several jobs and was happy with the results and the costs. They are located about two miles from me and since I have no way to get there but by my own car, whenever I leave my car for service they give me a ride home and back again to pick my car up later in the day. I really appreciate that service; their waiting room is not the most luxurious, but it suffices if you only have a short wait. On my most recent visit, I was trying to find out if a noise I was hearing was a serious concern. Two technicians took the car out on the highway to help troubleshoot the problem and also did a thorough going over in the shop. They even brought me back to the shop so I could do a road test myself with one of the technicians. The final conclusion was that the problem was a wheel bearing but that it was far from critical at that point and work on it could be postponed without being a safety issue. When I went to write a check for all their diagnostic work, they told me "no charge". I have been impressed over the past several years that they are customer-oriented and do not pressure anyone into having unnecessary work done. The technicians and managers I have met there during my visits have been very personable and friendly and seem to have a good team spirit. I would recommend that anyone give this shop a try. read more

Very passive-aggressive management. Items are expensive and they provide estimates for work that is not required. I like many reviewers have been told that I needed work done only to go to another mechanic and told everything is fine. The Car-X on the east side of Madison appears to be somewhat better. I would avoid the Car-X on Odana Road if at all possible. read more

Odana road CARX is wonderful!!They gave me a free estimate. They fixed my car and they even gave me a ride to the mall and back. I don't trust dealerships on my car. I have had brakes done for my kids cars. I will even have oil changes done here. The staff is very friendly. We bought pizza for the staff. I need brakes done in 2 months and I will go there. They always have discounts for service. I am very happy with this place. read more

Great, friendly people willing to show me and explain to me in terms I can understand without any ego attached. Easy to set up appointments and was even offered a ride to work after dropping off my vehicle. read more

Quick and inexpensive! Super pleased with muffler replacement on one car and a hood latch on another.

Terrible, terrible, terrible!!! I had a groupon for an oil change, 2 new wiper blades, a tire rotation, and an inspection. I took my car in to redeem the coupon and the service seemed ok, but not great by any means. Now I'm finding when getting new tires somewhere else that there was no possible way that they rotated the tires. There is also a tear in one of my wiper blades two months after they were supposedly changed out with new ones. Either they were not changed or they were so cheap that I wasted my money. Now I'm wondering if they did in fact at least give me an oil change as promised. They will never get my money again, coupon or no. read more

I took my 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix to Car-X with a terrible miss-firing and Mechanic evidently knew what was wrong with it since he had worked on similar issues before. Never-the-less, they told me I needed higher level diagnostics to find the cause at $55 per 1/2 hour. I was informed that they normally find the problem within that 1/2 hour window. Worse case it would cost $110 for an hour of troubleshooting. Mechanic Bryan found I had a bad ICM (Ignition Module) and quoted me $369 for a part that normally cost $220 at the dealer and $120 at Autozone. While I'm grateful for the quick repair, I'm less than impressed with the total bill of $500 for a 1/2 hour of labor and diagnostic. Feeling a little ripped off. read more

rip off artists and painfully slow. disorganized and disinterested. manager called my jeep a VAN at least 4 times. I actually had to point out that a van.....it is not. worst repair experience ive ever encountered. paid $400 for front brake pads and ONE caliper. insane. Wrong parts were ordered.....was in that shop an entire day.......when all I needed was front brake pads. should have been like $150 and maybe an hour. Still cant believe it. read more