I'm a regular customer at Merlin. I used to get all my oil changes and car issues checked there. But every time I went, they'd hand me a huge list of repairs. For example, when my tail light was out, they charged me $35 just for installation--something I later learned to do myself in about two minutes. Then, I heard a sound from my tire, and they said it'd cost $600. When I hesitated, they warned me it was risky to drive, so I agreed. Later, I had an oil change--they charged me $80 for synthetic oil, which should last 6,000 miles. But at 2,500 miles, my engine oil light came on. I checked, and there was no oil. I had to get it redone elsewhere. Next, I had a catalytic converter issue. Merlin charged me $300 for installation after I bought the part myself. Later, I smelled smoke from my A/C vent. They told me it would go away after some miles, but it didn't. My engine light stayed on, and after about 7,000 miles, the car wouldn't accelerate. They said it was the catalytic converter again--$1,500. I had no choice, so I paid. They had already charged me $99 for the diagnostic. One week later, I heard another noise from the tire. I asked them to check, but they wanted another diagnostic fee. I reminded them I had just done one, but they insisted it was separate. I paid $99 again. Then they said it was the tire bearings--$600. I was suspicious, so I took my car elsewhere. Turns out it wasn't the bearings; it was brake pads. I've realized they exaggerate issues to charge more. I've wasted $3,000 in two years. If I'd gone to another mechanic first, I'd have avoided all this. I've seen other reviews saying the same. I don't recommend Merlin. If you have car issues, go somewhere else. read more

I wish I could give them a lower score then 1. They wasted one day not even working on my vehicle. Then the next they worked on it, they all left a half hour early without finishing any work. They don't care bout customers, they suck. read more

Let me first say I do not post negative reviews. This may be my first ever. I have previously been extremely happy with the work this store had done on my classic car two times before. Today, however, was a very, very different story. I had set an appointment for suspension work on the same classic vehicle and showed up as scheduled with the new parts after having confirmed time/day with their scheduler earlier in the week. As I introduced myself to the manager on duty, a second counterman present abrupty and very rudely interjected "No, no, no, no, no, no no, no!!! He then proceeded to berate the manager on duty all the while speaking about me as if I was not standing in front of them. After I interjected saying "You can speak to me directly, you know..." to confirm my physical adult presence before them, the rude and socially inept gentleman went into a wildly long and totally professionally inappropriate tirade about the person who confirmed my appointment. He then announced himself as the temporary specialist brought in to bring the new manager on duty up to speed as the store was under new ownership transition. (Go ahead, take some time to cherish that irony.) I am in sales and have pretty thick skin. But this guy was a total horror as a customer facing (and management/training?!) person. I felt badly for the new manager on duty, he all the while standing there like a whipped puppy. To this store's new franchisee/owner: you need to be MUCH more careful on who you place on your customer facing team. It took a lot of control to not drive back and ask the manager on duty if he was sure he made the right choice in employment and educate your "temporary specialist" what I thought of his lack of interpersonal and customer service skills. I live less than a mile from the store and will NEVER patronize it again. Zero stars should be an option. Consumers, beware! Some other good nearby options to consider: Archer Alignment, Lovell's, Midas, National Tire and Battery. Brett Littlefield, DeKalb, IL read more

Front counter tried scamming me by lying about my cabin filter needing to be replaced, showing me one that wasn't even to my type of vehicle. Would absolutely never go back. Would not recommend. read more

Merlins provided efficient service for repairs of our vehicle. The price was fair, the people are honest, and the problem was taken care of. I would highly recommend Merlin's for their excellent mechanics and excellent service. read more

Super polite! Very fast service also. I expected to wait over an hour because they were busy but they got me right in and only took 30 minutes. Very affordable and gave me a broken down quote of everything my car needed without overwhelming me. read more

This place sucks!! I had them repair my sway links a year ago. I was told by another shop a month later that they were IMPROPERLY installed. I took it to Merlin, and they fixed it because it was still under warranty so I figured I would give them another chance on my vehicle in the future. Little did I know I should have never made the mistake of giving Merlin another chance. I had them replace my front driver's side wheel bearing because I was told by Merlin that was the problem. My car has been handling horribly ever since they repaired it, and I feel like I'm driving a lemon now. I took my car back to Merlin to get new tires put on like a week after they did the wheel bearing and Steve, the red shirt guy, suggested that they redo my wheel bearing for whatever reason unknown to myself. My question is why wasn't it done correctly the first time I waited here for over 3 hours on my weekend off from work? Please avoid this place at all cost unless you want to spend over $1000 on your vehicle, have to visit them frequently so that they can fix their so called high quality repairs by their so called high quality technicians(words from Joe the manager himself), and have your vehicle turned into a lemon, and subsequently, end up with a feeling of having been scammed just a week after they've worked on your vehicle. Joe, the manager, who I thought was a nice guy even drove my vehicle when I told him that it wasn't handling correctly, and he lied to my face and told me that it rides smoothly. I had never felt so much vibration in my brakes and throttle in the 6 years that I've owned the vehicle, but according to Joe, it rides smoothly. I wish I could get back the $1200 that I've given Merlin, 14 weekend hours spent on 5 separate visits, and trust for auto repair shops that I once had, not to mention my once reliable car; but I can't. You can prevent yourself from making the same mistakes that I did by avoiding Merlin at all cost! P.S. You'll have to wait FOREVER and I mean forever for them to "repair", aka- mess up your vehicle. They'll also print out a long repair list totaling at least $1000 for every working part on your vehicle. Like the other reviewers had mentioned, if you do end up at Merlin for some very sad reason-- at least get a 2nd opinion before authorizing any repairs! I thought I could trust them; don't you. We need a no star option. read more

Okay price and service if all you want is a oil change. Expect that it will take longer than the time you are quoted. Expect them to not do some of the services you pay for. I had them replace the brake rotors on one of my cars, then the next time I went in they told me the rotors were the wrong size, when I called them out on it they changed their tune. "This model has differing sizes, our tech must have been mistaken". That same vehicle; they lost one of my lug nuts and replaced it with the wrong type, had to fight to get them to replace it with the correct type. I paid for one of their mileage packages, on my other vehicle, where they change transmission fluid, rotate tires, top off various fluids. Whatever they did caused problems and my rear-end started acting funny. I had them re-do what ever they supposedly did and then finally chose to take it to another shop to fix it. Asked to have my tires rotated - never happened. Fluids never topped off. As far as customer service goes they are polite and respectful. Joe (Manager) is a stand up guy. Chris (Red Shirt) is a great guy too. Steve (Red Shirt) on the other hand is, IMO, condescending and a bit obnoxious, so I try to avoid him. Haven't been back since I took my vehicle elsewhere. read more

I got an oil change at this place a few times because they aren't too many places out here. My last time I went here I got the "upgraded" oil change where they top off all your fluids..... well the next day I go to use my wiper blades and I am completely dry on my windshield washer fluid. Thanks for that guys! Had to stop at the gas station and buy some while it was below zero out. Don't know if I should give these guys another chance or not. Might have to wait in line at Walmart next time. read more

Nobody, especially me, likes to pay for auto repairs - however, I've found these guys to be honest, fair and reliable. I've been bringing my car here for the last 5 years and have received nothing short of excellent service - ALWAYS cheaper than the dealer and certainly more honest. I strongly recommend them! read more

I was having serious problems with my car and took it there, and they took GREAT care of me and my car! They got the problem figured out quickly and also had it done in a timely fashion. They made sure it was safe for me to drive and was very honest as far as pricing and advice on what I NEED to get fixed immediately and the things that were still wrong, but wasn't a necessity at this point, which is uncommon with many shops. They also were great at explaining the problems for someone who knows little to nothing about cars to understand. Chris and Steve dealt with me the most and offered excellent customer service, they were friendly and really showed they cared about me. I will definitely be returning there! I recommend them to everyone in this area! read more

I went here to replace a mirror that had been taken off in a sideswipe accident. I met Steve at Merlin's who saved me a ton of money. He helped me order the part I needed for my car (markup free because I technically ordered it myself) and installed it basically free of charge. I couldn't have had a better experience and I highly recommend. read more

I have been coming to Merlin for years. These techs are honest, patient, flexible and over the top helpful. On several occasions, these guys have recommended cost effective solutions that have ultimately saved me hundreds of dollars. Unlike other shops; they don't give me grief when I request to come back later with my own parts or opt out of service. In fact, over the years, these guys have driven me to the parts store and to my home. They also don't charge for analysis in most cases. The customer service is outstanding. read more

I took my SUV to this shop to have brake work done. They either backed my vehicle into the door while it was partially down or lowered the door on my vehicle. Steve (Manager) said he was not sure how it happened. This caused $3464 in damage to my vehicle including breaking the rear hatch window and damage to the hatch door. He was not forthcoming with information. I even had to point out to him that we had not even received an apology. We had to ask if they were going pay for a rental car while our vehicle was being repaired. read more

Used to come to this location while in college and I absolutely love everyone who works there. So kind, friendly, and were always honest if things were wrong wit my car. Went to the merlins location near my house back at home and it definitely wasn't the same experience.. These guys here are awesome! read more

Ended up in DeKalb area last week with a muffler problem. Easily found the Merlin Muffler Shop on Sycamore Rd. and was greeted by a very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The car was ready in the time frame they told us it would be and to our surprise, it was a lot less money than we thought it would be to fix it. The technician actually seemed as happy as we were that he was able to save us money and that it wasn't as big as a problem as previously thought. We would recommend this shop for anyone that would need car servicing. read more

I will definitely come here again! Staff was so friendly and recommended what was best for my car. They got me in and out within 20 minutes with an awesome oil change deal read more

Went in for $79 alignment. Nice smooth talker calls me back with .. sorry .. frozen up .. tried everything .. torching .. nothing .. $400 for new inner/outer tie rods. Told him to hold off on that one and to take a look at another vehicle that's got a shake towards the rear. Two days later, calls and says it needs rear shocks. $500!!! Brought first one to Bob Jass in Elburn cuz I got a buddy there. Tells the mechanic they already tried torching adjuster. Mechanic shows my buddy adjuster that still has old grease on it! It's never been torched. Mechanic adjusts with no issues. $70 Second vehicle: bought WAY better shocks than these hustlers were talking about, and brought to shop who put them on .. Total: $220. Sorry guys, you really talk a good game and made me feel good about your shop. Unfortunately, while your smooth talk may make some good money for the owner, eventually your deceitful practices will close your business .. until the next franchisee comes along. read more

This is one of the worst and sneaky auto shops that you can go to. I took my car in for a simple alignment and they told me they only could perform half the alignment due to two bad ball joints in the front of my jeep, which apparently were close to failing to the point my tires would cave in. I of course believed them and did half the alignment which did nothing to the vehicle. They quoted me two new ball joints and apparently also needed new bushings all for ~$1,500. THANK GOD I DIDN'T BELIEVE THEM. I took it to Brian Bemis for a 2nd opinion the next weekend and was told that neither ball joints were close to failing and one needed a pry bar to even move the tire. Neither bushing needed replaced and the rest of my suspension was in fantastic shape. Brian Bemis completed my alignment and my car now drives like new and the steering is incredibly tight. DO NOT GO TO THIS REPAIR SHOP. IF YOU DO DON'T BELIEVE WHAT THEY TELL YOU AND GET A 2ND OPINION. THIS PLACE IS A JOKE. read more

Wish I would have checked yelp before bringing my vehicle to this place. Originally brought my car in for 2 new front tires and an alignment. That was fine but then I was told that the control arms and ball bearings on the back of the car were bad and needed to be replaced and this was a serious safety issue, about a $900 job. I should have taken it for another opinion and would have if I would have checked the yelp comment below. Had them do the work and now I'm really having problems. Brought it back the next day and they told me I now needed shocks, which I had previously been told my shocks were in good condition and did not need to be replaced. I'm still trying to get some resolution here for the problem. The car is handling worse than prior to their $900 "repair". If no adequate resolution, I will be taking them to small claims court. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE. REPEAT: STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE! The guys are 'nice' but obviously dishonest and shady. read more