Keep in mind when you read this review that a two star review means, "Meh, I've experienced better..." and not necessarily, "I hope this place bursts into flames." Categorically speaking:
Location: 5 out of 5 (for me)
Since I live in the south loop, it's quite convenient for me. I imagine that I could take the car in, walk home, and come back if I wanted to. Luckily, there are a few coffee shops are bars around that can keep you entertained (Overflow Coffee is decent, as is Krolls South Loop).
Customer Service: 4 out of 5
Customer service has actually never been a problem for me. There are always 2 - 3 people working in the front at the check in kiosks, and a small army of technicians in the main garage bay areas. I've not had the experience of them talking to me like I was stupid, and each time I've been greeted with courtesy and respect.
Bang for the buck, small repairs: 3 out of 5
I brought the car in once for a brake lights replacement Bear in mind, these brake lights are about 2 dollars apiece, but when you throw in their labor and associated costs, it ended up being a ~16 dollar job. Maybe there's a reason for this, as perhaps they can only bill labor in .1 hour (six minute) increments. This is not necessarily an industry deviance, so I'll give them a "free pass" on this.
Shop labor rate: 2 out of 5
108 is a bit high for a Firestone type facility. Consider that most locally owned shops in the neighborhood areas in this area (think Chinatown or Pilsen, also with ASE certified mechanics) charge ~85 per hour, and it's a bit of a bitter taste. I am unsure as if this location engages in what they call "matrix labor pricing." If in doubt, ask up front for them to explain the labor rate (as you should in any situation anyway)
Bank for the buck, oil change/tire rotation: 4 out of 5
Oil changes are remarkably expensive these days, no matter where you go. I need two things done: oil change and tire rotation. They had a spring package going where you get the oil change, tire rotation, 22 point inspection, and a few other things for about 44 dollars. Oil change and tire rotation a la carte (even with a 10 dollar off coupon) would have come in at around 35 or 36 bucks. I opted for the spring package just in case there were something out of the ordinary that I didn't know about. They found two things, really - a need for a high mount brake light, and significant wear on the rear brake pads, necessitating new brake shoes as the parts portion of that particular job. I don't consider the printouts they give for manufacturer's recommended scheduled service as doing something exceptional. Any person with access to the internet can look up "service schedule for [insert car make model year, etc here]". The oil change/filter with tire rotation in my mind was a sunk cost because of course, I could have done all of those things myself, and maybe I could have even done it in the 1.5 hours I waited, but honestly - I probably would have spilled something/knocked over something/dropped my tools/dropped some bolts, and then I'd have to go to a shop to recycle the oil anyway.
Recommended parts quote: 0 out of 5
Absolutely laughable. I'm not going to argue about the set shop rates for the things they recommended. Whatever - if they have a set time rate corresponding to a set task, and they finish earlier than expected, who cares? And if they have a set time rate and they take forever and a day because of whatever complications - it's no more skin off my back. Some of the stuff was remarkably easy - I'll probably replace my cabin air filter on my own, and the high mount brake light on my own. The part that sort of bothered me, of course - was the aforementioned rear brake shoes. MOPAR OEM shoes for my vehicle run about 45 bucks, and you can even get AC Delco Professional Durastops for 31$ off Amazon Prime. What was the quote I was given? 89.99. That's a 2x+ markup on MOPAR, and almost a 3x markup on AC Delco, who is probably the brand they use anyway! I casually asked, "What if I bring in my own brake shoes?" That question was met with a polite, but firm, "No, because we can't warranty them, and if something happens, we don't want to be liable." All probably true. But I beg of you all (other Yelpers): don't get any repair or replacement parts from these guys because if their standard markup is 2x to 3x of what you should be paying, you're spending a pretty dime.
Overall: 2 out of 5
Seems like they're ok for oil changes and flat fixes, and other small tasks like changing light bulbs (if you're ok with the .10 hr labor rate increment). Maybe a bit pricey for even the smaller tasks, but the convenient location will indicate that I'll probably be back here again, for small stuff. From my personal experience, skip any recommended major service because of the exorbitantly high markups on parts. read more