ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR - SCUMMY BUSINESS PRACTICES - AVOID!…read more We've been using Chet's for a couple of years now due to their proximity to where we live, however we will NEVER be returning our vehicles for service here after our experiences during the last few visits. Last Tuesday, my wife's car went into limp mode. We had it towed here just to get the diagnostic work done to see if it was something worth fixing. It had a failed coil pack a few months ago that she drove with to get it home. This caused premature failure of the first catalytic converter, which is exactly what the mechanic (Matt) found wrong with it. On Thursday, they called upon finding this out and asked if they wanted us to proceed with further diagnostics (to check if the second cat had failed as well) and repairs. They quoted us $1500 additional parts/labor for an upstream catalytic converter replacement. I told them yes to the diagnostics, but to call me before they proceeded with any further work, as I thought the price was ridiculous. I had a feeling that what I said wasn't received properly, so exactly 5 minutes later I called back and was explicitly clear that we ONLY wanted them to perform additional diagnostic labor to check if the downstream cat had failed. I know I spoke to the same person both times because the number they called from and I called back to is different from their office number. They said they would be sure to tell the mechanic not to proceed with the repairs. Assuming that this would be a 10 minute job (dropping a scope into the downstream cat), I went in Friday to check if we could coordinate payment for the diagnostic efforts and arrange a tow for the car. The front desk employee (Roman) tells me the total was $1700 ($200 diag, $1500 parts/labor for parts replacement). After I explained the situation, he went into the back, apologized for the miscommunication issue, and said they would get the parts removed ASAP and make us whole in terms of payment. I figured this was reasonable, mistakes happen, and they were owning up to it. Come Monday afternoon, we called to see if the vehicle was ready to go. I spoke with Jeff on the phone initially who put the mechanic Matt on the line. He explained that since the parts were installed and the car had been driven (50 feet to the parking lot), the catalytic converter wasn't returnable and we would be on the hook for the full parts/labor as quoted. I told him that wasn't happening, to take the parts off and give us our vehicle back as left. Making a customer pay for unauthorized repairs is EXPLICITLY ILLEGAL behavior, under Wisconsin consumer protection law. My wife went in Tuesday morning to check on the vehicle (1 week since drop off) and they told her it would be a couple more hours before they got the part off. I called them back Tuesday afternoon, and they are now trying to get us on the hook for just the parts and they would comp the labor. They were charging $700 for the part. The vehicle is 11 years old and worth $3,000 at most, we are just trying to get another year out of it and do not need pricey OEM parts. I told Matt this was unacceptable, told him the state law that protects consumers in this exact condition, and let him know we would be taking them to small claims court if they would not honor our request. He blew me off and tried denying responsibility. We called back one more time, asking to speak to only the owner, at which point we were finally told that they would only be charging us for the diagnostic labor as authorized. When we went to pick up the vehicle Wednesday morning, and they only charged us for the diagnostic work as agreed. However, I took a glance under the hood and noticed the original catalytic converter was missing. I had to go back into the shop and ask for the part back, which is worth $50-100+ of scrap value. Come on. They have also charged us for snapping wheel studs that they overtightened in the first place. Tread carefully, these guys (or at least Jeff and Matt) will nickel and dime you for everything they can get away with.

Do not use Chet's. I recently used them for a large repair,…read morethey 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.

It's been a while since I had my car serviced there. At that time when I did go to DiMaggio's the…read morefront desk was VERY Nice and was informative! I didn't have to wait long and they did do a good job with my car. I would recommend this business to anyone.

They are selling cars out of their lot and when you want to inquire about them, you need to jump…read morethrough hoops to get in touch with an unknown person (not at the shop) to get any info on these vehicles. Once you do, after a long hula hoop marathon, following the directions per that faceless person to meet, there is no response nor follow up at all after. Would not bother to try ever again.

Great local shop that we trust to bring our cars to. We know they are honest with estimates and…read morethe work they do. Best to plan ahead on when maintenance is needed so they can fit us in for appts. There is a reason they are so booked up - they are the best!

Went today to figure out best approach to shield on bottom of car coming loose. Initially offered…read moreto take it off for free before realizing there were more problems, ended up only costing $15 for cost of materials. Interacted with Tyler, very nice very helpful - explained everything he was doing and why and didn't overcharge- if I have another problem I'd come back here!

I don't know what to say about these crummy reviews--nothing could be farther from my experience…read morewith Atlas. The Owners name, the address and the phone number were the same as the address and contact info for Atlas. I just moved three weeks ago from Chicago. This shop was CLEAN and well organized from my first step into the shop. Mike did the intake with me and my husband--we were both favorably impressed with the physical place; Mike's attitude and manners and what he told us about the projected time to repair and the possible cost. Every thing worked out well and my 20 year old Subaru Forester is starting and running well now. I'm glad I made it to my new home in Madison from Chicago! If other craft people in Madison are this well organized--and friendly--my husband and I will be very happy in Madison. Mike is "my guy" for car care in my new hometown! BTW--no cheesy photos in evidence there but there was an interesting collection of license plates--look for the one that says "BRS SCK" from Illinois!

This place is under new ownership and Tony and the boss know what's going on…read more These guys are good and very honest. The reviews that have been in here were from the previous owner. Give these guys s shot you will not be unhappy

Scammers don't bother to have your car fixed. They had lie to me saying my car has been fixed.read more

I don't know if they are good. They never got back to me or answered my calls. I left voicemails,…read moreemailed, and sent an appointment request via their facebook page. And, nothing. Seriously? That's really bad service and if you're too busy to call anyone back put that on your damn voicemail greeting. Chet's car care actually answered the phone and got me in the next day. For a simple fix that could have been Dutches business if they cared to return calls.

RESPECT AND INTEGRITY!!!! If you are looking for frills like…read morelittle snacks and a free car wash, keep moving. But, if you're looking for a car repair shop that treats you with RESPECT and INTEGRITY, you've come to the right place! Marcus takes however much time is needed. He lays out all options, doesn't mince words and is so obviously passionate about his work, your car, and making sure, you will be as safe as possible on the road! I no longer dread bringing my car in for service! Just bring your own pretzels and soda. You won't regret it!

Super helpful, fast, and friendly service. Glad I found this place! They seem very trustworthy.read more

Ömar and group are amazing. Very willing to work with you. Always trying to find the best and…read morecheapest solution. Very calm.

My car battery died today- huge bummer. I called a tow person to jump it and then called Budd's for…read morethe first time ever for a replacement battery. I was met with the absolute best customer service. Not only did they squeeze me into a tight schedule but they also did a quick check over on my car and made sure it was running as smoothly as possible. I knew I needed an oil change and they were able to get that done as well. I spoke with one of the owners in depth about their business philosophy of repair instead of replace parts when possible and always taking care of customers. They were super helpful and nice and took the time to explain everything. I will be going to this spot for all my car issues for the rest of my time in Madison. I felt like they really cared for their customers and I'm so glad I found them!!

WOW! I can say that this is the best customer service I have ever had! I am a female who knows…read moreNOTHING about cars. I was on a cross country roadtrip when I started haveing engine trouble. I got to Madison, WI and needed the car fixed. I was terrified of being taken advantage of. All this was foreign to me as I did not have a car for most of my life. I called around to MANY transmission shops. When I found Midwest Engine Service I knew I was in the right place. From the get go, I was reassured by the kind voice on the phone. I spoke with the owner, Wayne. He went over the issue with my transmission top to bottom. He spoke in laymen's terms, so I actually understood what he was saying. Not only did I feel comfortable trusting Midwest Engine, they gave me the best quote and fastest turn around! Wayne kept me informed step by step, as I was still trying to finish my roadtrip. It seemed I needed a new axle, so I added that to the work order. Again, Waynes' thoughtful words and actions helped keep me at ease. When I got the call that the car was done, the price was even lower than the quote. This included the axle as well! I was so happy with the quality of work, the service and the trusting comfort they gave me. I was able to get back on the road the next morning. Finally, I was leaving Madison. As I was driving out of town that following morning, I got a call from Wayne. I instantly thought he was going to say they needed the car back or something. Why else would they be calling? It was Wayne. He called to make sure the car was running smoothly and that I had made it out of town ok. He then told me he also called to wish me a safe rest of my trip. I felt blessed. I had definitely found the greatest mechanic and team. They are just lovely, honest and have human integrity. Thank you Wayne & the team.

Long post warning. Bottom line is they ripped me off and will to the same to you. Dishonest, shady…read morebusiness practices. Battery warning light came on in my 2010 Toyota Camry. Stopped by O'Reilly auto parts. They used a small electrical device to check the system. It took them about five minutes. They told me the alternator was bad and needed replacing and didn't charge me anything for the diagnostic. I called Midwest and was told it would cost $750 to replace the alternator. The next day I had to have my car towed into Midwest. They informed me I needed to have a diagnosis performed for $189.99. I questioned that but they told me if it was not an alternator problem, I was going to have to pay for an alternator in addition to whatever they found wrong with the vehicle. I later contacted Meineke and they informed me an electrical diagnosis charge was $68. When Midwest called me, I was informed that it was going to be $850 to repair the alternator. I balked at that because I told him I had been told it would be $750. He stated he could "make that work." My suspicions grew. I went online to research what replacing an alternator entailed. I found two YouTube videos that showed how to replace an alternator in 15 to 30 minutes on a 2010 Camry. The alternator is held on by two bolts. When I went to pick up the car they charged me $506 for a remanufactured alternator when I could've bought one new for $329 from Carquest. They charged me $344.91 in labor to replace the alternator and two serpentine belts. Again, for 30-minute job. Total bill was $1176.88. Even with the Costco discount, it was a rip off. Jeff N.