Do not use Chet's. I recently used them for a large repair, they were not communicative at all, and my car had a catastrophic knock when I picked it up. This was not relayed to me. I paid them $3400 and as I was driving away, I noticed the knock. I had to go back to bring the issue up to them, they would not take any responsibility. It could have been the worst case of Murphy's law at work, either way, they should have notified me of the knock before doing the costly repair. read more

While visiting Madison, I asked my hosts for a reliable oil change shop recommendation. I called Chet's Care Care and received an immediate response with detailed questions about my vehicle. I was in on time Monday AM, asking for some additional services. The attendant asked me a number of questions about when I had last checked various parts. I admitted that I had NO knowledge of cars, since I am a widow; my husband had taken care of the cars we had for over 49 years. Luckily, friendly, knowledgeable service workers gave my vehicle a thorough inspection and made several suggestions for future work. Some I chose immediately and plan to have more done whenever I am visiting Madison (because the coffee and friendly chats are equally excellent). read more

I hit a large "alligator" (piece from a semi tire) on I-90 last weekend. The impact, which couldn't be avoided, was hard and loud, and the car's body was badly dented. Chet's was able to pound out the dent and re-apply metal staples. They have ordered a new muffler, which will arrive next week. I was deeply grateful for this outcome, as I am low-income. I have taken my cars to Cht's for 20 years, and I have always been happy with their work and the way they treat me. Many car places are disrespectful toward women, and some of them cheat us. I always know that Chet will treat me and my vehicles right. I appreciate being treated like I'm a smart human being. read more

$250 to check the car for a check engine light is absurd, there's plenty of other mechanics that wouldn't charge any where near as expensive. After charging that much I've decided to get it fixed elsewhere, And at top of that we kept getting told we where gonna get a call back to pick up the vehicle cuz we had to use it for work the next day but never did and then they closed which was crazy, luckily we had a second pair of keys and went and picked it up but we went back days later tho to pick up our keys and that's when we paid and absurd $250 for a check engine light check and without fixing anything so we went to Faith Automotive 50 mins away to get it fixed read more

Chet's Car Care - Shi***'s I mean the Chet's facility - Auto Repair Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Wow! Talk about great service! Chet's got me right in, no waiting around. Got the new battery as they diagnosed, located a substitute at the same cranking power and same price. Chet's was recommended by an old friend who got the same great service I received, and that's why she recommended them. Huge number of bays for faster service! I'm very happy I went to Chet's! read more

I recently moved to Madison from PA and moving here entering winter, I knew I needed new tires. I got my tires in PA and then drove here. The people who replaced my tires said I would need a lug tightening after arriving and I heard good things about Chet's. I called, drove over right away and they did it in 20 minutes and then DIDN'T charge me since it was a small job. Very good people. Very good work. This is where I will be taking my car for maintenance as long as I live in Madison. read more

In May 2023, I had a flat tire. Since I live in the area, I had it towed to Chet's based on location and reviews. Both front tires were super old, so they were both removed and replaced with new ones for a total of $346.86. Happened quickly within a couple days and everybody I encountered on the phone and at the shop were very cordial. I actually meant to leave a positive review after that, but unfortunately I fall into the bad habit of only focusing on reviewing poor service and/or experiences. In July 2023, I was driving and my car started to shake. I was a little concerned, but thought it was just the road construction and pulling up to my destination. When I was done there and started to drive away, my whole driver's side front tire began to come off its axle. I lost control of the car (thankfully this happened in a residential zone, just pulling out, but still was unnerving) and had to pump the brakes and turn its other wheels towards the curb as much as possible before putting it in park halfway into the street. I called AAA and even though the incident happened in Middleton, I paid the extra fees to have it towed across town to Chet's Car Care since that was the last shop that had worked on it. Additionally, the tow truck driver (who had been a mechanic for years) that assisted me said, without prompting, that the shop who put on the tires screwed them on too tightly and did not measure the proper torque. He said they would fight me on that, but to hold firm and insist they fix the issue since they were the cause. The car was dropped off at Chet's that evening and I called and left a voicemail explaining the situation and which car it was and asked for a call back in the morning. The next day, no one called so I did again. They stated they could fix it for $530+. I stated that no, it was their responsibility to correct their mistake. They said it was my responsibility because I did not come into after 50-100 miles to get the new tires re-torqued. I told the employee, Matt, on the phone that I was never told that when I paid for and picked it up in May. Matt stated that these instructions were also on my receipt, which I then went and found a copy of and it was not listed on there either. Matt became somewhat irate and said he would "talk to [his] boss when he gets back from lunch", but that it would be the same answer. He then hung up on me. Another employee called me back later and just repeated that it was my fault (I hadn't even brought up to them how much damage could have been done. What if I had been on the highway when the tire came loose and made me crash and/or, worse, hit someone else or cause accidents for others?) and that they could fix it for the $530+ quote. After paying almost $350 exactly two months before for brand new tires and installation. I said I did not want it repaired there anymore (even money aside, I no longer trusted their work) and that I would get it towed the following day. Which I did; again paying extra to have it towed back across town to the shop my family usually uses and where I should've had it towed in the first place, but I had thought Chet's would own their work and mistakes. When I picked up the keys the following day, I asked if I could also have any paperwork relating to the car/diagnostics/etc. they had on file. The employee running the front desk stated he couldn't because "Matt's having surgery and is out today and he was the one you were dealing with." So does each employee take home the paperwork from the vehicles they worked on that day every night? And their colleagues aren't allowed access? I asked that it be e-mailed to me when Matt returned, but I haven't received anything since. The car was then towed to Arneson's Auto Repair in Middleton (whom I have only had good encounters with). The mechanics there echoed the tow truck driver that it was over-torqued and that coming in after driving 50-100 miles on new tires is rare since "they're supposed to be placed correctly the first time". It was still a $300+ bill, but over $200 less than what Chet's quoted. read more

I have never had a problem with Chet's! Always really helpful, very respectful and understanding. They always talk me through what is going to happen with my vehicle before ANY work is done. I would 100% recommend this place to anyone who is confused and wants amazing work. The staff is amazing and funny. read more

On purpose excellence beyond measure you can trust!... great men doing a great job and I appreciate that .. if your a woman or a man who doesn't know anything about maintenance on your vehicle you can trust Chet's to make you feel valued with ethically responsible maintenance . Friendly staff and great service. No Man splanning... ... Honestly if I could give them a ten I would! I would like to see a woman technician that would make it a twelve. btw they will pick you up and drop you off wherever you need to go. read more

I took my car to Chet's to get my brakes fixed. My truck is a specialty off road truck & I don't trust just anyone with it. So I took it to the place I've taken all my cars since I've lived in the area...Chet's. Unfortunately for me, Chet's isn't what is used to be. My brakes cost me close to TWO THOUSAND dollars to repair. Fine. If that is the cost to keep them safe, that's the cost. However after very few miles, like 200, I was getting an odor from my truck. Then smoke started billowing out of the back of my truck. It was coming from the wheel area. The area Chet's had just worked on. I Facebooked them as it was after hours, they answered right away & were more than willing to listen to my concerns. I took my truck right back & was told it could be "a day or two" as they were busy but I "would be a priority". After FOUR DAYS, I got a call that a part they had installed was "bad outta the box" & would be replaced free of charge & my truck would be ready for pick up the next day. Come the next day, I get a call....my truck will NOT be ready for at least 3 more days & it will cost close to another THOUSAND dollars. A Thousand dollars for a repair that was "no charge". When asked about the "bad outta the box" & "No charge" quotes, I was told that the person that told me that was not authorized to say that & that it was not their fault that they were wrong about the part, the repair, the repair timeline or the cost. Apparently the new Chet's motto is: caveat emptor. After many years, the search is on for a new shop. Too bad, I truly trusted Chet's & they threw it away for a couple of bucks. Sucks. read more

Great service and they provided a shuttle service for me to get to work, but they only had to provide a loner because they took a day longer than they promised... Moreover their quote for work was MUCH higher than any of the other shops we have visited in the area. When it comes to car service, I value work done quickly, cheaply, and correctly. They have 1 of the three. Having said that, they were gracious and pleasant, but I would rather have a greasy mechanic with no coffee service and a lower bill. read more

My family and I were from out of state traveling to the Dells when our car broke down. We had AAA and they ended up towing our car to Chet's, and thank goodness! We ended up getting there around 4:45pm (they close at 6) on a busy Friday night and they were kind enough and welcoming the minute we got there, and started working on our car immediately and were able to get it fixed and had us on our way. They even stayed over an hour after close to get the job done, and it was even Paul's birthday! Their hospitality thru the entire process was warm and informative, I would even go back just to say hello. It's a family own and run business and they were knowledgeable and helpful during what can be a very stressful time. read more

I hadn't done business with Chet's in over 15 years as I bought my 2008 Honda Civic from Zimbrick Honda new and in the hopes of keeping its resale value up had all work since new done at the dealership. I was very happy with the local service Chet's offered all those years ago and since my 14 year old car doesn't warrant dealer service records anymore Chet's is as good an option for service as I could find. So I decided to save money and a trip to Honda in Fitchburg. 15 years later Chet's service still doesn't disappoint. I'll be going to Chet's for this car until I run the wheels off it or I pay off my mortgage and then by something new. Maybe even with my new car at that point. I trust Chet's, glad to do business with them again. read more

I would give 4.5 stars if I could. Eric and his staff were great. I went in to get an oil change but there was an issue. It wasn't their fault or mine. They were able to correct the issue right then and there. I could tell that they cared and that the customers appreciated their relationship. read more

I would be very careful of these guys. My car was flooded in the engine died and it was the closest location, so I brought it in and they quoted me over $6000 to get the engine replaced. I brought it to another place and they said they could have the whole thing done for under $1600, which I went for. Hard to see that as a simple mistake at that amount. Will never be back. read more

Overall I've been very impressed with Chet's and will continue to do business with them. I love that I can go online and schedule service and they will confirm my appointment time via email or call if there are any issues. They are very fair: there's a leak in my exhaust but they could not find it, I was ready to shell out hundreds of dollars for a repair but they said since they couldn't locate it we would just keep an eye on it. They have free shuttles to and from work. My only complaint is that I tend to leave my vehicle for the day and sometimes it feels like that puts my vehicle at the bottom of the list as I've had to call for updates or not heard from them until the I be of the day. However my vehicle has always been available by the end of the day. I will gladly continue to bring my vehicle to them! read more

The work they did was just fine, but I would STRONGLY recommend against working with or speaking to Paul. He talked down to me and those with me because we're women, tried to upcharge us for nothing because he thought we didn't know anything, and he was rude the entire time. I wouldn't come back here, and thank goodness I don't have to. read more

I absolutely will only take my car to Chet's car care because they will show you what's wrong and needs to be fixed. Such trust worthy people and really treat you like family. read more

My previous review was for an oil change, which I still stand by. This time I brought in my car because it was making a rattling noise. I was told that the bracket holding my flex tube was broken and it would be around $350 to replace the whole pipe. The pipe itself was not damaged and I asked if there was a cheaper option to attach the pipe back to the car (either by welding it or creating a new bracket). The mechanic gave me a rude answer about coat hangers. I called around and was quoted $200 to replace the pipe at Speedys Muffler. When I brought it in there to get it replaced, they told me the pipe itself could just be bracketed to the car for $45. Make sure you call around before getting work done here in case there are other repair options that Chet's didn't consider. read more

I just moved to Madison from Cincinnati and found Chet's here in Yelp. I chose them for their business hours. I do alot of highway driving for work. Chet's is exactly what I want out of a car care center. They asked questions around how I want to use my car, how long I want to keep it etc. Oil change was quick and affordable. The shuttle service is obviously well staffed as I was asked if I needed a ride twice! They quoted me an extremely reasonable price for fuel injection cleaning and new spark plugs and agreed that I do Not need it right now. No pressure. They checked everything and never once tried to upsell. I will treat them as my partner mechanic. Thankyou Chet's for helping a Lady feel secure in car care in a new place. read more

Called ahead asked if I needed an appointment to bring my vehicle by, said it was ok to drop off anytime. Brought it by that morning and explained the brake problem I was experiencing. Was expecting a call back later that day, but did not receive any follow up. Called back the following morning, and the vehicle hadn't been looked at but I was told they'd have more information for me before lunch time. Got a call back with a $1200 estimate. Explained that although the part that needed replacing was not expensive or tough to replace, much of the brake system needed replacing because of rust and dry-rot. Picked up my vehicle later that evening and took it to another mechanic for a second opinion. Ended up getting the job done for $500 less than Chet's quoted, with much of what was said needing repair un-touched. Even got a comment from the second mechanic at how solid the vehicle looked underneath (hardly any rust for it's age). The vehicle has spent all but one year of it's life (1990) in California/Arizona, so it was good news to me that one year in Wisconsin hasn't beat it up too much. Shop around for repair quotes if you can. read more

Came to Chet's because of the good reviews it got on Yelp! Here's another one! So I don't know crap about cars. Unfortunately, this fact shines through when asking my questions about my car ("oh the year of my car?...um...I..uh...don't know off the top of my head", "was my temperature gauge high? well...uh...no lights lit up on the dash...?) Yeah, I'm a prime target to get scammed at a auto repair shop. So when smoke started coming out from under the hood, I was pissed and fearful of taking it to a car repair shop. But Chet's was super nice and helpful!! The guy taking all my information at the desk was incredibly cheerful and happy to have me as a customer. Their reception area is pretty nice too (especially for a car place). And when I found out my car had to stay at the shop for a few hours, they offered me a free ride home. My car was diagnosed, fixed, and cleaned up in a few hours and they didn't charge me through the roof for it!! Definitely coming back to Chet's the next time my car is being a piece. read more

Extreamly helpful. The car just randomly broke while my fionce wason her way to work, she turned off the main road and ended up at Chets. They said they'd fix it that day and even gave her a ride to the west side. After work, she went to Chets and picked up the car. They fixed the problem and also informed us that the power steering was leaking (we knew something was up with it already). They filled up the power steering for free and told us to come back when it started making the noise we had heard before. At that point we actually decided to go to a few other places to fix the car and two places quoted us over $500, and told us it would be a week. Chet's told us they could do it the next day and the total bill was $210. We will come here first from now on! read more

The folks at Chet's are great. They genuinely care about their customers and making sure your car is safe and working optimally. Once you drop off your car they'll drive you wherever you need to go, and pick you up when your vehicle is ready. Prices are reasonable and they offer a AAA discount. They also have free wi-fi, soda, coffee and hot cocoa. read more

This is the best, most friendly, most trustworthy auto repair shop I have ever used. I needed my brakes replaced and new tires. They dropped me off at home and picked me up at work (my work is pretty far away from the shop.) The man who picked me up at work was so nice and we had a lovely conversation. They gave me a discount for military families too. Usually at auto repair places, I have my guard way up, assuming that the place is trying to trick me into paying for services I don't need. I felt so comfortable at this place and never once worried about that sort of thing. read more

I have been going to Chet's for over 10 years and they've never let my family down. I always feel they have my best interest at heart, their prices are fair, their shop is really cool. Come on, free pop and coffee, free shuttle service, it's terrific. Highly recommend Chet's. read more

I've been here 3 times in the last 2 yrs for oil change, winter tire installation and high mileage services. The price is fair for the great service quality they provide and the staff is very friendly. They have the patience to explain things to customers and I see that they have lots of loyal clients. There's waiting area with hot cocoa, soda and coffee. The restroom is clean. They also provide free rides for people who drop off their car on site. I will definitely service all needs of my car here. read more

Honest and dependable. After inspecting my mother's car, they informed us that spending a large amount of money for the repairs was not advisable. Most shops would have done the repairs / taken our money regardless of the car's age & condition. They were very thorough in their explanations. She has since bought a different car and has had it serviced here. They offer free transportation services and have a nice waiting area, complete with a soda and coffee machine for their customers. I highly recommend them for your car care needs. read more

Have taken my car here a couple of times, because this is where the SO's family takes theirs. The service is quick and friendly, they were able to get me in same day for an oil change when I called. It really has a homey, welcoming atmosphere for a car place. They offer a courtesy shuttle if you need one, which is nice. When I got my oil changed, they noticed a heat shield hanging off the bottom of my car, and took it off for no charge. I asked if that was a problem that would need to be looked into, and they said no, without an explanation as to what it did and why I didn't need it, which seemed a little odd, but I didn't ask for an explanation, and they were busy, so I can't really hold that against them. All-in-all, nice place, will probably be taking my car here as long as I'm in the area. read more

I brought my car in to get the brakes checked out and asked them to figure out why my engine was making a certain noise. They only diagnosed the brake issue and quoted me a ridiculous amount for replacements. I ended up getting them replaced because I didn't want to risk anything by driving a car that had brakes in that poor of shape, but I brought my car to a different shop after to address the remaining issue. I think it's ridiculous that they charge you around $60 to just look at your car (if you don't get work done there) when other shops don't. The people are generally friendly, and the courtesy shuttle service is a nice bonus (they take you to where you need to be and pick you up after your car is ready). My driver was extremely nice and accommodating. There are much better and cheaper options around Madison (so so so many shops on Fish Hatch). Don't waste your money here. read more

They were one of the first to come up in yelp so I called. Ehmn no thanks! The man on the phone started out friendly but lost his mind somewhere along the way. I think at some point he asked me to be quiet. The story goes something like this. I have an old car it needs to be fixed. Before I get it fixed I like to get an idea of what I am getting into pricewise. I called to let him know about my window that stopped working and needed to be fixed. I just need a quote because I am shopping around. This must have got this fella hot and bothered because all of a sudden he blew his lid and became rather prickish. Well, it is still my money and I've still got questions. He told me that I was talking too much while explaining to him what was wrong with the car; and , he thinks it is a waste of his time if I call in the parts from Kragen which is what I normally do. It is so much more cost effective to do this because you can take the older parts to Kragen where it will get recycled and refurbished ( you get a small price taken off your purchase, and it is a great for the environment). This guy just showed his hand, because he quoted me 2x the amount another shop had quoted me $300ish parts and labor yet he started at $600ish. He must have thought me ripe for the taking, but this isn't my first time at the rodeo. Judging by other reviewers who have shopped around and received price quotes from Chet's, you will be wise to do so too! read more

I have brought my car to Chet's twice in the past 6 months after relocating to Madison. Both times I was satisfied. They identified the problems quickly and their resolution worked. I like the complimentary soda in the waiting room. The prices have seemed a little on the high side compared to what I am used to but ultimately they do good work. read more

Best mechanic ever. Smart friendly and communicative customer service. Good prices. Free shuttles that will take you to work and pick you up. Good old fashioned waiting room vibe. I go there for oil changes, tires, maintenance on my newer model Chevy. Don't bother messing around at the dealership. Go here. read more

Great work! I've gone here for oil changes, tires/suspension, and tune-ups. They are honest and always make sure that I know what is going on with my car. I would not go anywhere else, so I have to travel from Milwaukee each time I get my car fixed! I even got a tour of all the coca-cola memorabilia and the amazing stories that accompanied each and every single piece that hung throughout the shop. read more

I got my car serviced for a new pair of wind shield wipers. I took my birthday off for work not expecting to do car work, but whatever works... I gave them both my fiance and my numbers telling them a limit they could go to and to call if/when any updates were to happen. I even wrote down the budget they could stay in and signed!! They stated they'd call by 4:30. I'd made clear that I'd need my car back to pick up a sick cat from the vet at 5. I called later around 4 to see the status, and after being put on hold for 45 mins, I was told that they hadn't serviced my car due to not being able to get into contact with me and the cost was estimated to be below what I'd stated I'd been okay with. I asked if I could have my car back, and they stated it'd be more to take it now and return then it would be to have it worked on in the morning... I went in with high expectations... the reviews they have had been amazing. Now, not so much. Very disappointed. read more

I have had some bad luck with mechanics, but have always had wonderful service from Chet's Car Care. When I had my tires replaced, Matt asked about how long I intended to keep my car before making a recommendation on how much to spend and what type of tires to get. I appreciated knowing I was making a reasonable purchase based on my timeline, versus being sold an expensive set that didn't make sense for my car. They offer to drive you to work or back home when you drop off your car, and come and pick you up after it is ready. They are also very clear about whether or not something needs to be worked on right away, or whether or not it can wait. They automatically add your AAA discount to any bill, and when the battery in my key fob stopped working, they replaced it for free! I can't recommend Chet's enough. read more

Chet's Car Care has done excellent work on our cars over the years. Very reasonable prices and always does fantastic work. I appreciate their honest opinions and fair pricing for all our vehicle issues. I recommend them to all my friends and family. read more

If I could give Chet's car care 10 stars I totally would. When I first moved to Madison, the trailer lights went out on my U-Haul and Paul spent an hour trying to fix it free of charge. I've been a loyal customer ever since. They once stayed open late during a blizzard so I could pick up my car. For a while I was driving a 6 year old Pontiac Grand Am that was such a lemon, the guys at Chet's felt bad taking my money. They offered to go car shopping with me so I wouldn't get screwed the next time. They've helped me avoid unnecessary repairs more than once, and the one time an issue cropped up shortly after I visited them they went out of their way to make things right. Their customer service is so great I made sure rent a u-haul from them as I move away from Madison just to say good bye. They made sure I had the most convenient drop of location and that my mirrors were lined up just so. They care about their customers so much! They aren't the cheapest place in town, but they are certainly the best. You can't do better than Chet's. read more

I've known Chet and his family for many years. In fact, Chet had done service for me back when he was located on Packers Ave. Helped me then and the place is helping me now. I just had several items worked on, on my 2006 Honda Pilot. I have to tell everyone, that as of last Friday, it's like I'm driving a new car, again. I had a new alternator installed, new brakes all around, and they found some nagging items in the rear suspension area that, through age and normal wear and tear, had gone bad. All in all, over the last few months, I've had several things done on the vehicle and Chet's Car Care has delivered better than expected. My Pilot has 287,000 plus miles on it and I have complete trust in it and I have complete faith in the work they've now done for me. Kudos to Eric and his team for a job well done. I'll recommend you every time! read more

I've been coming to Chets for nearly 10 years now, and have never been disappointed. They are extremely helpful, honest, efficient, and have great prices. They provide high quality service as well, and really make sure your concerns are addressed. Highly recommended, I will never go to another mechanic. read more