They usually do good work. Gavin is outstanding explaining things, and goes the extra mile to fully check leaks. They are close to my home, and the pricing is competitive with other repair shops. They also communicate very well via texting with videos and pricing. I feel comfortable bringing my car here. read more

Not happy with Merlin's. I walked in a week ago looking for an oil change. They told me I'd have to book an appointment (pro tip: book an appointment before you go in). I told the guy before booking the appointment that I wanted their basic oil change for a truck I don't drive. He told me it would be $29. Boom, I booked the appointment. I show up. They do the oil change. At payment, I'm told it's $37. I scoff and tell them what I was quoted. The guy just looks at me and says, well... it's $35 + tax. So that's $37. I had a few options there, but the truth is my time was more valuable than the few extra dollars. So I paid it without uttering a single complaint. But I won't be back again, and I will be sure to tell others about my experience. read more

Merlin Complete Auto Care - Auto Repair Near Me - Carol Stream, Illinois

Do not buy any Groupon oil change coupons for this store. The store manager Scott is terrible. I was told to call 7 days before my Groupon expired last time I visited them. This is what I did today, and I was told it be over two weeks for anyone that had a Groupon, but only a week If I wanted a oil change without the Groupon. He made it a point to tell me the regular customers for his store come first. This is a manger that lacks training for customer service! I don't trust him anymore and will never take my car back. Update: I called the Cary store which is included in the Groupon. I was able to get an appointment tomorrow. I appreciated the manager professionalism, and he treats all the customers the same. This is the kind of manager you want running a store. read more

Zero stars!!! Took 2 of my cars there for ~$4000 of service and one of the cars was still leaking fluid. They gave me BS about it. Never going back here! Save your money! read more

TERRIBLE! I took my Jeep Wrangler there for the first time to get an oil change. I should've checked it when I left. A few weeks later I took my Jeep in to another mechanic to change out the front differential and they did their normal 30 point inspection and guess what??? NO OIL. Merlin mechanics forgot to put the oil back into my Jeep. read more

Scam artist.Stay away. My wife took car in for loud muffler completely took advantage of her! Charged almost 300 dollars and didn't fix problem. All they did was put sum goop over where air was leaking out. Probably took them 2minutes and charged 300. Stay away!!!! read more

I just purchased a used car off Facebook marketplace and was next door getting my car detailed. I knew I needed to get an oil change and they suggested Merlin. I went right over and they said they could do the oil change and do a used car inspection for $150 (if I remember correctly). Totally worth it. They discovered quite a few smaller items like bulbs and air filters that needed replacing as well as needing take brake pads and front rotors (which was the noise coming from the front of the car). They gave me a print out of the work needing to be done and I scheduled an appt for the following week to get it done. They were super professional, got it all done and the noise was fixed. I'll be taking it back in a few weeks for the brake pads and some other bulbs/parts that needed to be ordered. Great customer service, clean establishment and great value for the money. read more

The Merlins shop in Carol Stream is truly a hidden gem for service repairs and maintenance. I truly believe that this shop, which is managed by Scott has set the bar for all Merlins to be measured against. From customer service, accommodations, cost effectiveness, and overall customer relations this franchise located in Carol Stream is truly the best place to take your car for any regular maintenance, tires, or major repairs. it just does not make sense to take your car anywhere else especially a dealership, when you can get superior service and assistance at this local place that is setting standards even higher than your dealerships. I would not take my car anywhere else. Thanks to everyone at the dealership especially Scott for all of his hard work and efforts in creating such a customer centric environment. The entire team is awesome! read more

Scott Mascheri, the Service Manager, provided poor customer service for me recently. Here are the pertinent details regarding my experience: He refused to honor the Merlin limited warranty tire road hazard protection that I had purchased. I believe the tire sidewalls were defective as he said the tire needed replacement, with only 17,000 miles of use over 3 years. His assistant said he would call me to discuss when I came to pick up the auto; he never made the call. He did not respond to a letter I sent that included all the related Merlin documents. I was a 15-to-20-year customer of the business, performed all required auto maintenance, which was done mostly with the former owners. The tire was installed ok, but the related charges for installation, balancing, and environmental disposal were 150% higher than the original cost. read more

I had my oil changed and the check engine light came on. Took it back and the put the tester on it, the guy opened the hood and said the air filter box was loose. I dont drive my car often, but when i did the check engine light was on again. Took it to Merlins, same error only this time i was told would be $160 to test as it was a air sensor leak. took it to o'reillys and the guys did a FREE sensor check and sold me a $12 can of lubricant. One of the customers checked and the clip to hold the air filter was missing so it was not sealed properly! This caused the sensor to clog up. he sprayed the sensor and found the clip. No more light and no $250 repair at Merlins. I miss Joe and Tony. read more

Very good place to bring your car thay care and are super respectful if your looking to get it done right bring it here believe me you won't go nowhere else! read more

Thank you to Joe and Mike and all the team at Merlin's auto shop in Carol Stream! I was new to the area just a couple of years ago and didn't even know where to start when I needed some auto repairs I've visited them once and have had the pleasure of working with him a few more times since Every time they are so welcoming and very understanding about the cost of auto repairs They don't recommend something that doesn't need to be fixed And they let me know what I should be thinking about for my next repair. I have an SUV With over 250,000 miles and I'm proud it is still on the road And part of that is thanks to team at Carol Stream Marlins! read more

My Five Star rating is for the customer service they provided. It may not seem like a big deal to most but in life it's really the small things that truly count! On a rainy afternoon I decided to visit some family with my little one and while driving within 5-7 minutes I encountered what no one wants to deal with while driving in the rain, tire issues! I quickly searched a repair shop near and this was my option, I was warmly greeted by Tony who made my situation feel at ease by recommending to check my tire pressure although their tire machine system was down after mentioning I had a tire rotation done yesterday at another shop. He could've easily turned me around and said it was nothing he could do. Sam came out checked my tire pressure and adjusted them to the proper pressure and gave advice on what to do next if my tire light came back on. I truly thank them for making me feel safe to drive again. read more

Merlins is pretty much my go to oil change spot. So when it comes to that then I have no issue with them. The problem is when I find out they're being dishonest with repairs needed. My car had a bit of a suspension rattle that started a few days before my visit. I suspected a stabilizer link worked it's way loose since I changed struts just before the winter and the car has been sitting unused in the garage until now. I told the guy about the rattle and what I thought it was. He said he'd check it. After a bit he calls me out tells me I need a new stabilizer bar assembly and some new tires etc etc at a tune of about $2100. I asked AGAIN if he thinks it could just be loose. He said no. It all needed replacing. He asked if I wanted to do the work now. I told him not today and paid for my oil change. Took my car home put it up on the jack and inspected what I thought was wrong. Sure enough, after tightening up the bolt on the stabilizer link, no more rattle at a cost of 0 dollars. Like I said, if you need an oil change here, go for it. If you need any kind of repairs done be prepared to be severely ripped off because they're totally looking to get you to pay for things you don't need. read more

Watch out! Neil will scam you out of your money. Brought my car to him for whining which he told me was my power steering pump which no problem I have an extended warranty. I also mentioned my ac was not blowing cold, he said no worries he could check it out. With out telling me of any charges he tried to charge it but it still didn't work because it's a sensor switch. Long story short I had him do the power steering pump, he told me the next day it was ready to go. Went to pick it up and it sounded 10x worse than what is was. He told me yeah the technician drove it and there was a little whine, it was the worst noise not a little whine. So he told me to leave it. Then when I called the next day he said oh yeah it was a hose and it's not covered my your warranty company and also there's charges besides your deductible $155 difference for nothing. He took back his ac charge and kept changing his story with exactly what those charges were. I had to ask for an idomized receipt cause he knows he's a scammer. He also refused to give me the owners number cause he owns it with a man named Mitesh probably his brother read more

Ever since there's been new ownership of this location the customer service level has declined. For the second time in a row I had to call them to find out that my car's service was completed, versus them letting me know. To top it off, they didn't even provide new decals showing when the next service is due. Those little lapses in service have me questioning the quality of the work they are performing. Very disappointing because for many years I was provided excellent service. Now I have to find a new mechanic to trust. read more

One hour plus for a oil change with a appointment are you kidding . these people are clueless go anywhere else you could not do worse

A big thank you to Tony that helped my husband out with a bolt we needed for our car. Its the little things people remember and will definitely be back for all our car repairs. read more

Be careful when you go to this location... Previously posted a review a few years ago, but it appears it was deleted. Suspect they paid Yelp in order to remove all but five star reviews. A bit suspicious that an auto shop has a perfect rating over four years. Just going to say that I had: shocks/struts replaced -- car handled worse and squeaking noise came from suspension brake fluid flush -- brakes were weaker and there was obvious air in the line oil change -- they overfilled Have taken in a lexus, honda, acura (all under 60k miles) and have always been disappointed. I have since decided to service my cars at the stealership. The up charge is still welcome over the poor work that I've received from merlin. This was around four years ago, so maybe they've improved their service. read more

I can always count on Joe and the folks at Merlins in Carol Stream to give me a thorough evaluation of what my car needs and a straight estimate of the work that will be required. Thank you! read more

Do yourself a favor and talk to this place. They are the car whisperers! Did my minor car repairs and let me know what repairs would be coming up and what to watch for and what needed to be done and what could wait. Let me tell you, EVERYTHING was spot on. The repairs were fixed. The stuff that was put on hold, waited and the car was able to be safely driven a few more months before the other stuff that was minor needed to be addressed. I knew there would be issues when buying an older, used vehicle but knowing they have my back made the whole experience a lot easier and I am still without a car payment and still driving my now reliable used-car! Thanks guys!!! read more

Awesome place, very reliable. Would never rip anyone off. You can trust them and not have to worry if they are lying about a problem just to make more money. Great people! read more

This place was great when Joe and Tony were there, but the verdict is still out for me on the new owners. Previously I could count on them giving me a calm, no-pressure assessment of any issues with my vehicle. My vehicle is a 2008 Ford Escape which I often joke I have to keep running until my children take my drivers license away. I love this old car. I have taken it in there twice since the new owners took over, and each time I've felt like they are trying to pull a "bait & switch". The most recent time it was a fuel line leak and an oil change which took them a full day to diagnose. They called me at the end of the day to say the total would be $159 but they wouldn't have it ready until the next day. OK, fine. The next day, they call me mid day to let me know they took care of the fuel line and the oil change, but they had now suddenly discovered I need new rear shocks and differential work which would run well over$1,000! I don't think so. I am going to take it somewhere else for a second opinion. When Joe and Tony ran it, they would assess everything at the same time, not hit you with new things the following day when you're ready to come and pick up the car. They would even make a priority list for me, letting me know which item would be the most urgent to take care of when I was able, and which things I could let go for a while. read more

I have been bringing both my wife's and my vehicles to merlins for nearly 6 years, for all service and repairs. About 4 months ago my wife dropped off my vehicle for them to look at an alleged leak, and a low tire. They did not find a leak, but repaired the tire....or so I thought. Because they will not take a look at it after I get off of work at 5:30, I've just been adding air to it 2-3 times a week. I finally have a day that I can bring it in, and was told to leave it, and they might be able to get in sometime during the day. Pretty poor customer service, as I live 9 miles away. I need my tire repaired, however they had no issue shooing my briskly away for more important jobs. And exactly how was I going to get home, and back at the shop while I was waiting for the hopes that they were going to even look at my vehicle??....for a repair that was not done correctly the first time? They have no loyalty to their customers, even though that's what they want from us. Done done done, many more repair shops around that care for their customers. read more

My husband and I had been taking our cars to Merlin since we moved from the city 5 years ago. Joe, Tony and Mike had always been very nice to us. Friendly and honest. They just won't make you do a job unless it's really necessary. Plus, they'd even give you a free ride home if you need it. We just won't take our cars anywhere else. read more

All 4 of my tires were low pressure due to the negative degree weather. I drove to every gas station and the air was out of order. Finally I found this shop called Merlin and I asked if I can use their air. Someone did it for me in this cold weather. This gentleman was very nice and when I tried to give him a tip, he didn't accept it and said to rather give to someone in need. I didn't get a chance to ask for his name but he looked like Steve Jobs. Thank you! read more

What a great experience. Joe was a pleasure to work with and was very thorough in his assessment and description of the work needing to be done. The prices are very fair and their Merlins program is quite unique. I trust this shop and their mechanics and will continue to come here for work on my truck. read more

Ive never had a problem with them until today. I did a $500 dollar maintanence on my car today. I dropped my car off in the morning, and was told it would lilely be 3 hours. With very limited contact, and very vague explanations, I receive my car 6 hours after I dropped it off. I have a life to attend to. I figured that a 3 hour thing would mean I would have most of the rest of my day to go do what I need to do. Sorry Merlin, Im upset. Dont promise times you can't keep, especially without remaining in some level of contact. read more

I have been taking my 2002 Highlander here since I bought it. Initially for oil and tire rotations and then as the car got older for regular maintenance. They have always been courteous and fair, taking the time to explain the estimates and never pushing if we chose not to do a certain repair at that time. read more

I will never take my cars anywhere else. Tony and Joe are thorough in their explanations and never push you into any decisions. They are the most honest and polite mechanics I have ever worked with. Highly recommended! read more

I have been a customer for several years and my experience with Joe and Tony has always exceeded my expectations. They are professional and extremely competent in all aspects of automotive repair and maintenance. Their prices are extremely fair for the work performed. I highly recommend this business. read more

Could not be happier with the staff and business at Merlins 200,000 mile location in Carol Stream. The job entailed rear brake rotors being machined and new brake pads with stainless steel hardware added. New battery too as my Acura's electronic system (push button) was acting like something out the X-Files; flashing exterior and interior lights and not starting. Prices were fair and the service was outstanding. Also nice touch to have customer pickup service available. Ask for Tony and they will take care of you to your complete satisfaction read more

I would recommend Merlins because the staff was so helpful, honest and professional. I appreciated their recommendations for my car and their prices were the best out of all the others! Great experience, Ill be back!!!! read more

I knew my car was ailing and it was only getting worse, day by day. Knew I would have to get multiple items taken care of. I have a 1995 jeep I knew the exhaust was bad and then it started misfiring. When in and they gave me a quick and complete diagnoses. Exhaust 675.00 and then 800.00 for two fuel injectors and some wiring. I checked and prices were reasonable. They had to hunt for parts (i know old car parts are hard to find/ not in stock etc.) but got it back when they said they would, they even stayed an hour extra to make sure it got done because I needed my car for work. I also listened when they talked to other customers and they were always fair and upfront with the five or six conversations I listened to. Bottom line; good and fair shop to bring your car to. By the way this is the best review I've given to any place. read more

I have used many of the repair shops in the area. This is where I go now. Joe and Tony are good people. They are always busy, but that is because they do good work. Not the cheapest, but good work done right the first time. I have only had to take my car back once in probably 20 visits read more