Took my nissan pickup here for a 100k service. No appointments, so had to leave it. It was a busy place, but plenty of stalls, and I had it back at the end of the second day. Required fairly extensive maintenance, so I was expecting to drop some coin. The counter man was friendly, helpful, and gave me a quote I was pretty happy with. In the end, it was unusually spot on, and when I came to pay and fetch, a different counter lady saw my work ID and gave me a discount for working at Duke. Overall, fair, efficient and would definitely be comfortable going back there again. read more

My go-to for excellent, honest service with helpful and clear information and options provided, fair prices, and friendly employees.

Sooooo good, and I am so glad they are not part of a big, impersonal chain. Thanks, Payne's just for being there. I can sleep at night.

Nate Payne and his team are truly the best. Payne's has taken care of all my vehicles since 2015! I recently bought a Jeep and asked his thoughts. He is not a fan of Jeeps and yet he did research on the one I purchased and called me at 8pm to share his thoughts and all the comparable vehicles he found that he would encourage me to buy instead of the Jeep. He understood I was set on the Jeep and he said "OK, I will do a check to see all is well before your 7days are up and I will take care of your Jeep". All this to say if you trust anyone besides Payne's Service Center for you car care then bless your heart! read more

Maybe read your negative Yelp reviews? Everyone who works here is so kind except for the guy who works behind the desk. He was also mentioned in the other reviews for being unkind -- that would make sense in other jobs, but why work a job that requires you to interact with customers then? read more

My truck is 12 years old, has over 180,000 miles... took it in for brakes, A/C work, and several other things that needed adjusted/tuning/servicing... they were super responsive. They communicated superbly through the entire servicing... the price was fair for the amount of work required... would definitely recommend them read more

Diagnosed problem quickly and accurately, didn't try to talk me into unnecessary things. Great experience!

These guys were friendly enough and walked me through half my bill. They didn't say anything about a $90 "shop fee". This is after paying over $300 for a tie rod job that should have taken twenty minutes at most (I know because I've done it before). Thieves, beware. read more

Payne's has always been honest and helpful and quick. Because they're in this business for the long haul, they prefer building good customer relations over price gouging. read more

I have loved Metlon's for many years. This became the go-to car repair place for everyone in grad school. One time I thought I needed a laundry list of things done and Melton in a really gentle way told me exactly what I needed and reassured me that my car was in better shape than I thought. They talk to me about the problems with the car and don't assume I wouldn't want to know or care. Love hearing how they know their customers. Just sitting in the office they've asked customers about how their children are doing or their work. Not something you see very often anymore. Their prices are beyond fair and their service is great. I drive from 15 miles away and pass lots of other mechanics. Don't be too intimidated by the parking lot full of cars. read more

Payne's Service Center - Auto Repair Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

They fixed my car three times, but after each time my car wouldn't start or the check engine light would come back on. After I brought it back again they quoted me for an $1100 fix (but said that I would probably need to fix the $1500 part right after). When I asked them to order the part a while later they told me they had made a mistake and I needed the other part worth $1500. When I asked them how they knew I needed the other part without inspecting my car again, they replied very condescendingly and told me it was what the code said. At this point I took my car to two other mechanics who told me nothing was wrong. Seems like they wanted to make $2600 off me after I had already done work there a few times. Not a reliable mechanic. Also the guy working there was very rude on multiple occasions, enough so that he even explicitly apologized to me for it (citing a busy day). read more

I had an excellent experience with this company! I bought my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee into the shop because it was overheating. The problem started down the road from the shop and I needed a close place to take it if I didn't want to have it towed. They were amazing. They brought the car in right away and worked it into the service rotation promptly. They had it fixed for me the very next day. Based on that first experience, I brought it back to Payne's for a set of new tires. This was also a great experience. They did not try to upsell me to a more expensive tire, but rather made a convincing argument to get a good (not bargain basement) tire. In the process of the tire change and alignment, they seem to have corrected a "squeak" in the breaks which I had been meaning to have checked out. This may have merely been a coincidence, but I sooner think that the service technician did more than simply "throwing some tires on". I am generally pretty skeptical that I am getting the services that I need when I get my car worked on. I have an older car and it is easy to find something that needs to be replaced. I feel confident bringing my car to Payne's and trust that they will fix what is needed to keep this car safely on the road. Thanks! read more

Amazing service. The owner is very knowledgeable and patient, and was incredibly willing to walk me through exactly what was happening in my car (and then do it again when I had a lot of questions!). They got me in right away, and talked me through my options before fixing my car. After I got my car back I heard a rattle, so took it back in and they fixed it up at no cost - rattle was gone! Now this is the only place in town I want to take my car, and I would highly recommend it to everyone. Kind, honest, hardworking people work here! read more

Honest and efficient place to take our cars. My husband and I both come here and never had an issue. They've done oil changes, replaced brake pads, patched tires, etc. They always call ahead to make sure you are ok with something that wasn't originally discussed. We drop off in the morning and it's always ready by end of day when we come back. The lady at the front is very sweet and the owner is very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!! read more

I first came across Melton's a few years ago for a second opinion. Another service center had been pushing unnecessary repairs, and the friendly staff told me my car was fine. When I did have an actual issue, they were efficient and friendly, going beyond what was expected to ensure my car was safe and comfortable. I highly recommend Melton's, you will get exceptional service at a reasonable price! read more

The staff at Melton's are fantastic. They're helpful and concerned about saving $ for their customers. I would highly recommend their services without reservation. read more

I work nearby at the School of Science and Math. I use this garage to take care of lots of routine service need and other stuff like iffy tire problems, replacing light bulbs, and oil changes. It's great. They are honest, and do an excellent job. And if you are at Duke or NCSSM, it's close and very convenient. read more

I've taken my car here about 4 times now and always have a good experience. Nice people and great service!

I have never been to a more efficient, friendly service center in my life. I called Melton's and within 5 minutes my car was towed. What they thought would take several hours took only one hour after I told them I was just passing through the city. I was incredibly impressed with how well they treated me and my car. Best service center I have ever been to. read more

Fast work and patient explanation. Although it is a little pricy, I do not see they have any attempt to over charge people, even they are beginners in cars. read more

I love this place. Melton is almost always there himself. He is a kind, honest man. I've never had to worry about getting ripped off, which can sometimes be a concern for a woman who knows nothing about cars. I moved here from WI, where I always counted on my dad for help with my car, so I was worried when I was left to handle it alone. Melton's has been nothing but great to me. He gives me rides to work when I drop my car off, and usually drives me in my own car so he can hear the issues for himself. Truly, this place goes above and beyond. It's getting increasingly difficult to find a good quality, honest business anywhere in America, but Melton's is definitely it. read more

I've been going to Melton's for several years now and they have always taken very good care of me. As someone who has six young children, it matters to me who is working on my vehicle. I trust Melton's with my family's safety. They've never let me down. read more

My friend had a check engine light in his car, he took it to Melton. I picked him up from there and I was really impressed by all the details they gave him about his car. They clearly explained everything that needed to be fixed and how much it would cost and showed the defects on the actual car on a lift. They then gave him a quote and charged $305 less than the quote because they found out a sensor that they thought was bad was actually fine. Impressed with them, they seem honest and professional. I might take my car there for maintenance next time. read more

Theses guys did a great job. they told me what I did not need and what I did need. Work was done on my CTS 2012 and it smoothed right out. Next I am having them work on the truck. I expect great things also. read more

I did a 120k service with my honda dealer and they told me to replace timing belt and host of other things. Dealer charged me around 800$ [Incl of taxes] for the whole replacement of belt with water pump and drive belt. After seeing the glowing reviews I went to Melton, after i left the car for 2 days and they said its going to be lot cheaper with all inclusive. Finally I get a shocking bill of 1093$/ The main problem was miscommunication. Chief mechanic Tommy apologized and he personally contacted me assured me about his work quality. The car runs pretty smoothly, He did give the motor mount part for free, so waived off 50$ from the bill amount.So I have upgraded my review for 3 stars. Just get a written estimate , you should be fine. read more

First let me say that I've been taking my car to Melton's for several years. I have generally received OK service until the past year or so. I recently had a situation with my car, and I got very similar price estimates from 2 other different reputable garages in the area. I went back to Melton's to do the work because they can often do same-day service, whereas I was going to have to wait a few days for either of the other 2 garages. I explained what I needed fixed, and I explained how long I was told it would take in shop-hours from other garages. Imagine my shock, then, when I went to pick up my car later in the day to find Melton's charging me $200 more than what I had been quoted at the other 2 garages! When I calmly and politely explained to them my frustration and how the quoted price had been so much less at the other garages, Melton's literally told me, "Well, you should have gone to one of those other garages, then." I told them I wished they would have at least called me before doing the job once it became clear they would be charging me so much for a rather simple procedure, and their response was, "Well, you never asked us to call you." I was just dumbfounded, honestly. They eventually came down on the bill a little bit, but it was still $120 more than I had been quoted at the other places. Just incredible. Needless to say, I can no longer recommend Melton's Auto Service Center to anyone. I know I'll never be taking any of my family's cars there again. read more

Overcharged me by 100 for a break job. Did not take a look at the other problem I asked them to check out. Two days later my car stopped turning on. They took 450 dollars worth of "diagnostic" time to tell me I needed a new computer. Ordered that for 900, they put it in, and realized it wasn't the computer, but just a loose connection. Refunded me for the computer, still didn't look at the other problem I asked them to. Got it back again, realized the problem was still happening, took it back and they charged me 150 to lube a sticky rotor that they should have taken care of in the first place. This place is expensive and the mechanic who worked on my car was not good. They are nice people but I spent way too much unnecessary time and money here. Wasp automotive is my new place, they're fantastic. read more

Mr. Melton embodies the type of old fashioned business ethic that I appreciate. I have been told by numerous shops that I need new front struts. I called around and got quotes from many other shops. Melton's was the only business that questioned whether or not I really needed them. All other shops were going to basically take my word for it and charge me around $500. Melton's took my car for a drive and decided that it was a smaller problem (swaybar link, I think). Instead of assuming that the sound I was experience was the biggest issue possible, Mr. Melton knew that that same sound could be associated with two smaller problems (the swaybar link and bushing) so he first fixed the swaybar link first instead of doing the big huge fix. This saved me more than $400. After driving the car the problem is gone so I agree with his assessment that it was the swaybar link (who knows, the other two things could be the problem too but Melton's methodically went from smallest problem up to the biggest problem). Simply put, I appreciate that he was willing to figure out what small fixes might be the problem instead of just going for the big fix and taking my word (on the basis on other mechanic's words) for it. Because of this reason I would recommend Melton's over this other business: http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=pZvodBYKQsfVpfAc-Ci_SA because, as this customer tells it, they took his word for what the problem was without trying to figure it out themselves and ended up costing him way more money. I can't believe he still rated them so high. After realizing their mistake they still made him pay for the real problem. I would be furious. Gratefully, Melton's took steps to make sure that they fixed the right problem which saved me more than $400. I was referred to Melton's by a friend who had the exact same problem with her car and who received the exact same service and also saved over $400. Melton's will be my primary garage for as long as we are in this area. read more

My experience with Melton's has been nothing but wonderful. Mr Melton is kind, honest, reputable, and patient. I had taken my car to Neal's Garage, and had a HORRIBLE time with them. They were dishonest, shady, and called me "dear" which I generally hate. But enough about those guys. After some serious misinformation and general runaround from Neal's Garage, I took my car to Melton's Service Center. Mr Melton took me for a test drive so we could both witness the problem. Before taking a look at the car, he guessed that it was a loose sway bar. He took it into the shop, I had breakfast with my husband, and before we had the check, he called me back and confirmed the issue was the sway bar. He took me into the garage to show me the problem with the sway bar, which was awesome. I've never had a mechanic actually teach me about my car. He finished the job, and I was back to work before lunch. My car has well over 100,000 miles on it, and now it drives like new. It is so quiet, it is practically in stealth mode. In the end, I spent less than $100 to replace both sway bars, when Neal's wanted to charge me over $300 to replace a perfectly functioning axel, leaving the root of the problem ignored in order to make more money. I will only go to Melton's as long as I am living in Durham. read more

Great guys. The owners (two local brothers) are always around, either talking to customers or supervising the shop. They're honest, good at explaining things and will take the time to answer your questions, show you what's going on with your vehicle, etc. Prices are fair and the service is actually pretty fast. read more

The owner, I forgot to ask him name, was so nice to explain my car's noise although I cannot leave my car at his shop for repair because I was a Duke visitor, had to leave for NY in 1hr. I wish I had time to have car fixed there. read more

When my car battery was entirely dead and a friend couldn't jump it/I was onto calling numerous tow services and my own car insurance agency which didn't cover towing, I called Payne's. I have been going to this shop for years, when it was Melton's, and called to ask about their warranty to see if it covered a new battery I received last year. The owner (I believe it was Payne himself,) drove out to where my car was dead, quickly jumped it with a jump box (after I'd been waiting on other options for 2 hours,) and then determined that the issue was the button that controls the brake lights was broken, thus draining the car battery overnight. He followed me to Payne's where he quickly replaced the button and only charged me $35 for the entire event. He was incredibly friendly and helpful, as well as efficient. I am so grateful to y'all for fixing my dead battery in no time, and for being so generous with your own time! Thank you for coming to help me, when I could've been waiting all day for an expensive tow company!! read more

I've had my car worked on two times at Melton's, once to replace a dead battery and also to get a new set of tires, and both times they were extremely professional, quick and friendly. They always seems busy, but always do a great job and give you a realistic estimate of both pricing and timing. read more

Moving is a huge hassle. And one thing I dread about relocating is finding a new mechanic. It's so hard to find a shop whose employees are honest and respectful. But when we needed oil changes after moving to the area last year, we gave Melton's a try, based on reviews and coworker recommendations. The staff is friendly, and they seem to be enjoying themselves, which is a good indicator that the place is run well. I handle most of our repair work, and they never talk down to me because I'm female. We've also had some issues that could have easily been over-fixed and over-charged, but they didn't take advantage of us. Their prices seem a little higher than some other places in the area, but if we're being treated well and not paying for things we don't need, it's worth it. read more

Nothing like first impressions and my first impression was by phone and hence the Eek! Methinks NOT! rating lol Wow, I call up for a quote on a job I need done on my car. The Check engine light has come on and it was checked at Advance Auto Parts which revealed one and only one reason for the light (I've had lights that could have been as many as 3 different things) and the definitive reason for this light is Camshaft Position Sensor. So I bought one from them thinking I could do it my self. Well it seems that I can't, it's difficult to get to, so I start calling around for a quote. I call Meltons and explain the above... I am interrupted for this guy to say, "Yeah, I don't like using junk bought at any crappy autopart store. First of all, you'll have to pay for some diagnostics to be done, most likely it is your oil pressure, not even that sensor." I bought the part thinking I could do it myself, but I'm not finding any tutorial on line that may help me get it done, so I am calling around to get a quote and this guy can't even quote the job, tells me I will have to pay for diagnostics... lol I don't think so, when I offered to take my part back for refund and he could order from whomever he likes, he said, "we are very busy today and I need to get off the phone." Okay, please do, because I will be calling around to find someone who isn't scared to work on my car, lol. BTW, my Oil Pressure is much better than my Blood Pressure thanks to dealing with some asshole on the phone! So annoyed that I Yelped about him before moving on with my search for a mechanic! lol read more

We used Melton's for years before moving away from Durham. During that time, they were able to disassemble, inspect and reassemble the transmission of our Subaru, replacing only the main seal, making the transmission replacement we were told by the dealer was unavoidable a $450 job instead of thousands. They told us there was a risk, but that it was what they would do. They were right, and years later that transmission is still running strong. They put up with repairs on my grandmother's 1979 Honda Civic, despite problems with finding parts, my ordering the wrong parts, all the stuff that comes with working on a car that old, and more. Fast forward to yesterday, when I called and asked them to forward repair records for the Subaru, having sold it. They took the time to email all of the records, even though it has been a couple of years since they saw the car, and will never see it (or us, unfortunately) again. It's hard to find folks as skilled or honest in this industry, and we certainly haven't yet found their replacements in our new home. Use them without hesitation and be thankful. read more