Since moving to Elgin, we recently acquired a 2006 Grand Caravan. This was meant to be a transition car until our lease was up on our 2015 Camry. I got a great deal on it, but after an inspection, knew it needed some work. One of the items needed were to replace/resurface the rotors. After using Yelp to research some of the local shops, this business really caught my attention. I had some dialogue with David through the Yelp app and ended up setting up an appointment to get an estimate. After the inspection, they mentioned the rotors were okay to wait on since I had newer brakes. However, I did need a bearing on the back tire. I brought the car back and had the work done a couple of weeks later. Overall, the communication through Yelp was prompt and respectful. Everyone I dealt with in the shop was great and I never felt as though I was being sold something I didn't need. They were thorough in their explanation and prices were very reasonable. I can see why they are a staple in the Elgin community! I will be back for future repairs and maintenance! UPDATE: I have now used Kellenberger for multiple repairs/services and still continue to be impressed. Professionalism is outstanding. Also want to call out Jack for his helpfulness and honesty. read more

Great service personal. Quality work Done right Always ready to repair our vehicle Family owned since 1939 read more

First time customer who started with oil change, which was arranged so I could wait. I've got a 2010 outback so likely will be back as needed. Grateful to know of a 'go to' place for automobile repair. read more

Excellent service and very reasonable prices. I've taken multiple vehicles here for minor and major repairs. On all occasions I was very pleased with the customer service and the work. I will definitely be back for any of my service needs. Thanks again! read more

I've been taking our cars here for about 4 years now. I've always had a good experience and have recommended them to many friends who reported good things, too. read more

Dropped my car off yesterday for the first time. I moved to elgin recently and found this place on yelp and figured it was worth a try. Everyone was beyond amazing. They got everything done for 1/4 of the price I was quoted by someone else a year ago. I will never take my car anywhere else for anything! read more

Reasonable price, honest service. We'll be returning for additional maintenance. Great reviews so I've decided to schedule an appointment. All communication has been via email, they're quick to respond! More to follow read more

I found out about Kellenberger's from a friend whom I had dropped off after his car was repaired. He spoke very well of them and said he did not take his cars anywhere else for repair. I had moved back to the area recently and was looking for a reputable, independent shop, as I was beginning to distrust one of the nearby Toyota dealers I had been using. One day I had a slow leak in one of my tires that had been bought the prior year from a Firestone store. I returned to Firestone and the smarmy service advisor there tried to convince me that the tire couldn't be repaired - it needed to be replaced - and that I had a host of suspension issues (about $500 all told), which I knew wasn't the case. I told them not to touch the car and immediately retrieved it from that shop. Recalling my friend's recommendation, I drove to Kellenberger's and explained that I had a slow leak. They said they'd look at it and let me know. I received a call a short while later - the leak was located and a patch kit resolved the trouble. Total cost? $19.90. I was floored! No fleecing, bilking, etc., just honest work. Since then I've taken all my vehicles there, whether during or beyond the warranty period, and haven't been disappointed at all. I can trust them to tell me if something urgently needs repair, if it's an item that can wait for the next service appointment, etc. Everyone with whom I have interacted have been friendly and professional. It's a place to which I would feel confident sending my own mother (see below). The only work they don't do is body / collision repair (for that see A&L Auto Body in Palatine), though one time the splash guards under the radiator of one of my cars were hanging low and Kellenberger's rigged it up (for free!) until I could get to the body shop for a proper repair. Other good points: They soon know you by name (and vehicle(s)). Their waiting room is comfortable and free Wi-Fi service is available (along with power outlets and a small desk). The location is convenient - it's within walking distance of Gail Borden Public Library and my kids' school, along with a number of other downtown Elgin businesses. A couple more stories: my mother, who has a Chevy Malibu, had been taking her vehicle to the dealer where she purchased it for the past 11 years. On a recent visit to the dealer she was socked with a huge repair estimate that caused her to question whether she should even keep the vehicle, and began wondering if perhaps she was being misled (what is it with these dealership service departments?) My mother, who always heard nothing but glowing remarks from me about Kellenberger's, said she was willing to have them look at her car. While indeed their analysis showed that some repairs were necessary, it was found that the dealer had grossly overstated the situation, and it was far less expensive for my mother to get her vehicle repaired at Kellenberger's. (As Chris M. notes, the staff there does not talk down to women, but treats them with all due respect.) She has since kept her vehicle and remains a loyal Kellenberger's customer. The last story: one day I was getting a simple oil change at Kellenberger's when another customer walked into the waiting area from outside, carrying a tray full of baked goodies and tears in her eyes. From what I could hear of her conversation, she was moving to North Carolina and was so moved by the level of care provided by Kellenberger's for the past several years that she was literally crying, knowing that she couldn't return there for service (her car was having its final service and pre-trip inspection before being driven across the country). Now how often does that happen at an auto repair place!?! Trust me, just go there and you won't be disappointed. (Xexilia B.: not sure if you're still in the area, but maybe give them one more chance?) read more

You know that auto shop where you drop your car off on a Tuesday, and then you have to call them, and they tell you that, maybe, it will be done on Thursday? This is not that place. I had two pretty serious repairs that needed to be done to my vehicle, and I wanted them to be done on the same day that I dropped it off. Even though the mechanic I spoke to told me that he probably would not be able to get the parts needed until the next business day, I was overjoyed to find out that both repairs had been completed by COB that day. These guys are the real deal. They are family-owned, honest, and they won't try to up-sell you or convince you that you need unnecessary repairs. There aren't too many shops like this anymore. Cannot recommend highly enough! read more

I arrived in Elgin in 1973 and shortly thereafter found Kellenbergers. Honest, skilled, helpful, friendly. Over 40 years later they are always my go to place for auto service. OK, the truth is that when I had new car warranties I had work done at the dealership, but when warranties expired I always returned to Kellenberger. They are great people to deal with and I've never, ever, worried about cheating or upcharges or anything like that. A model for what an automotive service center should be. Thanks guys for decades of worry free driving! read more

Knowledgeable, efficient and courteous. Prices reasonable. I will come back to do business with them, and I'd recommend them to anyone else.

I love Kellenberger Auto. Fast, friendly, expert service, and people you know you can trust. They offer good prices for quality work, and are always on the lookout for you and your car's best interests. I've used them for everything from oil changes to new transmissions, and they always have come through for me. read more

Was told after spending almost $1,900 on repairs I had to immediately return to have my thermostat housing redone. Saying it was a faulty part. After a couple days i was called saying it was done, but was told I needed a new radiator for $500. Robbery I say. I declined their offer over the phone and when I got home my brakes went out. Blew a line. Strange, second time I've had my brakes go out after declining one of their offers. Oh, by the way; saved myself $500 by closing my radiator cap!! read more

Good service, quality care, trustworthy expertise, good looking gentleman at the front desk. Fist bumps all around.

Towing - $184.40. Recharge battery, scan codes, and "test" - $218.90. I start my car and my SES is still on...PRICELESS. They were never able to find the problem. For $80.00 another shop fixed the problem by replacing the crank shaft positioning sensor. read more

Highly reputable, well run community establishment. They did a pre-purchase inspection for us and they were extremely professional and thorough. We were very satisfied. We left wishing we could work with them every time we needed auto service. Thanks, Kellenberger. read more

I trust these guys. When it comes to car repair, is there really anything else to say?

Have used them for a number of minor repairs on my wife's car and they have always been up front and honest. Being the son of an advanced backyard mechanic I know a thing or two about cars and can spot when a shop is trying throw in having to replace a "johnson rod". My wife has done most of the interactions with them and has always felt comfortable dealing with them. In the past shops usually talked down to her or treated her differently for being a woman. But not here. Are they the best value? I don't know, but I'd rather pay a premium knowing my wife is being treated well, and the work is getting done honestly. read more

Have been a satisfied patron of Kellenberger Auto Service for years. Am so thankful for all that Kellenberger's did to quickly diagnose and correct an unexpected tire problem my present car recently had. read more

So, you're charging me a $60 guessing fee? As well as another amount to fix the problem? I would have ended up paying around $150 or more to replace the bad cable? Why charge a $60 diagnostic fee to pinpoint the issue? And then, your technician doesn't even solve the problem from the beginning! Scott T's did not remove the alternator, etc., except for the bad cable he replaced. Also, he didn't charge me a "diagnostic" fee. He figured from the get go what the issue was and he FIXED the problem!... (parts & labor) for only $40!! read more

Kellenberger Auto does three things very well: High quality auto service, trustworthy auto service, and affordable auto service. i've had my car in here twice, once for a rear mirror replacement and another for an issue starting my car that came down to the battery. The guys at the front-desk are polite and do an excellent job talking you through the process. read more

I had several issues with my vehicle. While it was being diagnosed, I received phone calls with each update with recommended options and repairs were completed immediately at my direction. I was given fair recommendations at more than fair prices. The one expensive repair they didn't do was because they told me it was likely my kind of car would have recurrent issues and I've decided to sell instead. I appreciated such honesty and will use them again for all future repairs, even routine maintenance. read more

Son left his back PAC with computer in truck of his car, which was staying over weekend at Kellenbergers for Monday repairs. He Needed it for work as Math Teacher & grad school work. Not only did one of the owners respond to our message after hours on a Saturday, but met my son within 15 minutes of our call so he could retrieve computer. Great customer service by a family run business. read more

I've been going to Kellenberger for over 20 years, with multiple vehicles. And they are always friendly. They explain what's wrong and what the options are without being condescending. I can't recommend Kellenberger's highly enough. read more

So helpful and knowledgeable. Reasonable pricing. They worked hard to find a used engine for my car and saved me from having to buy a new car. They kept me posted through the entire process. I will continue to have my car serviced with them. It's been more than a year and car is running great. read more

Over the past three years we have had our family cars into Kellenbergers multiple times for normal maintenance and any necessary repairs. As most of our cars are over ten years old, they have been great at letting us know what items they recommend and budgets for these items. Often it is not in budget to do right away and they have always stuck with their estimates when we brought the cars in for repairs at later date. We have enjoyed the relationship and felt comfortable with all the work. read more

Been in 3 times in the past month with different vehicles and always get top notch, professional and personalized service. This place is also very reasonably priced and most importantly, HONEST! For your next service or mechanical issue, try this place, you'll love them too! read more

I was so impressed with the service and help received on our emergency stop here! Our tire was flat and we really appreciated the quick help! read more

Fantastic family owned business. Everyone looks for a quality, honest place for car maintenance. I can say I have found one in Kellenberger. read more

I tried this shop because it was highly rated by multiple sources and it was close by. Well don't believe what you read. A simple brake job on Honda accord, no big deal.The prices on parts were not any thing special and the rotors hats were not z-coated like most. This creates a alot of rust residue on the wheels . Regarding the service, they DO NOT do test drives after doing work !!! I know this when I drove the car home I thought something was very wrong, I park the car and did walk a round kicking the tires. When I did this, one of the lug nuts fell off, So I grabbed my toque wrench. All the lug nuts were loose !!!! When called them back , I was told that I could bring the car back in and they would tighten the lug nuts. ( probably wanted to charge me the service at that !) This was after I had all ready done that. I could have had very major accident Use this shop only if like living dangerously read more

My neighbor recommended Kellenberger to me over 20 years ago. I had a great experience and have never been given a reason to make a change. They communicate efficiently, are trustworthy and friendly. I recommend Kellenberger to anyone & everyone without hesitation. read more

Brought a "certified " car we were looking to buy here. Carlton was very friendly & helpful. The staff was quick to take the car back & did a through inspection. The staff located two issues (differential piñon seal seeping & power steering rack boot leak) that was not found on the dealers 160 point inspection. The $79 we spend to get the car check out with Kellerburger saved us thousands. We cannot thank the entire staff at Kellenburger enough & recommend them highly. read more

I have a 2000 Toyota Echo with 266,000 miles. I had the alternator light come on driving home from work one Friday recently. Since I'm relatively new to the Elgin area I went online to read reviews on local auto repair garages. Reading Yelp, Kellenberger seemed like a safe bet. I brought my car to them, told them about the alternator and also told them that I had a check engine light on and would they please find out what the problem was and fix it. Note: the engine ran fine and even Larry agreed. They replaced the alternator and phoned me and said they did a smoke test to look for leaks which could be one of the reasons the check engine light was on. I was told my car needed a new catalytic converter for $500 and a new fuel filler tube for $200. After the catalytic converter and fuel filler tube and the alternator were installed they phoned me and said now the engine was running rough. Remember the engine ran fine when I brought it to them. I was told the engine could use a new set of spark plugs $90, I said ok. The total bill was $1483. My wife picked up the car the next morning and drove it that day. The next morning I drove it to work. Two blocks from the house the check engine light came on. I phoned Kellenberger and made an appointment for the following Friday evening January 24th to drop off my car so they could work on the car on Saturday. Thursday January 23rd at 5:45am I went out to start my car and let it warm up because it was -3 degrees. Ten minutes later I went out the car was dead. I opened the door and the dome light was very dim. I hooked up my battery charger and went back inside for 15 minutes. When I came out the car fired right up, so I went off to work. A block and a half from my home the head lights were getting very dim so I turned around and made it within a block of my home and the car just died. When I got back to the house my wife call AAA for a tow back to Kellenberger. Later that morning I got a call from Kellenberger and was told the new alternator was bad and they needed to order another new one. The next day, Friday the 24th in the afternoon I got a call and was told the car was ready. I asked about the check engine light. I was told that it wasn't a coil; it could be an injector or the computer that is giving erroneous error codes. I was told about some of the tests they could do on the car, but they never did any of those tests. I was thinking, why did you tell me the car is ready? You haven't fixed the check engine light issue and that's why I made an appointment for you to work on it on Saturday. I told them I needed this fixed because I need to pass my emissions test. I was then asked; when is the test? I said I need to have it pass before the end of March because that's when I have to have a new license sticker. I was then told to bring the car back at the beginning of March. I picked up my car Friday night after they closed and drove home. As far as what actually got fixed was #1 a new alternator, #2 a new set of spark plugs at a cost of $1483. The new catalectic converter and new fuel filler did nothing to make the error codes and the check engine light go away. Remember I made an appointment for Saturday the 25th for Kellenberger to fix what was causing the check engine light to come on. I brought the car in on Thursday morning because of the alternator. They replaced the alternator but it appears they made no attempt to run tests they told me they could do but instead said bring the car back at the beginning of March. I took that as, we don't want to work on your car anymore, it's a waste of our time, go away. I felt, if they had integrity they should have just come out and said, we can't fix your issue with the check engine light, we recommend you take your car to a Toyota dealer and reimburse me for the fuel filler and the catalytic converter. I can't recommend them for any serious troubleshooting. read more

I have taken both our cars to this establishment for service. We have been happy with the repairs that they have done and at a fair price. Usually, their customer service is friendly and accomodating. Be aware, they close up shop at 5pm, so don't be ONE minute passed or you won't get your car, and that is that... read more

I have been taking my 3 cars to Kellenberger's for over 20 years. They have kept them going and at a fair price. I would trust their advice.

My compressor needed it to be replaced. I went to Firestone and they told me it will cost $2200 to fix it. I went to Kellenberger and they offered the same service for half the price. The service was great and efficient. read more

Always fair pricing, never over there estimate. Very knowledgeable people in the office and shop. If another problem is found you will always be notified before they proceed. The best shop in town and family owned by an honest family that has been carried on for years. read more

Kellenberger has been my primary automotive shop for 3 years now, I have been to many others including working at one thru college. I can say that the Kellenbergers are straight shooters that have a decent price. I know when they tell me something is broken it is, in fact they have told me that things are fine more then they have said something is broken. It takes time to find a mechanic you can trust, and that is just what they have my trust. I routinely drop my car off on a Thursday night in the key drop box and have a call around noon with the diagnosis and a price estimate. Don't hesitate to use them, you wont be disappointed. read more

I feed a little goofy writing a review where I'm indicating i LOVE the guys that service my cars - but it's true. I have two cars both the type of car you usually take to the dealer to get "good" service. i say good as after taking both my Land Rover and Mercedes Benz to the guys at Kellenberger I realize what great service really is. Both cars have never run better than under the service of Kellenberger - I would recommend them over and over again. Prices are fair - they really do a great job of explaining exactly what is wrong with the car. A contractor working at my house was barely getting to my job site because his '91 van was breaking down - I even had him take his car there - and not only were they up to the challenge and got it running again - he said his car never ran better than after they worked on it. Bottom line - I don't think I could every bring - change that - I would never bring my cars anywhere else. read more