Fantastic quality and customer service. I can't thank Paulie enough for all the free advice and quality service he has provided over the years. As one small example, Aladdin, Paulie's father, personally drove me home after dropping my car off one evening. That is one of the things that made me come back and Paulie's level of service and care cemented the relationship. I can't thank these guys enough for the honest and true service. read more

Let me first say that I agree with the friendliness, cleanliness, and perhaps for little things like oil changes and nail and screw removal from tires, this place is fine. However, I feel compelled to share my experience with a brakes situation. It was about 3 months ago, while there was still much snow on the ground, that I noticed a pretty bad sound when I braked. For all I know, it could have been a chunck of ice stuck up in there because it actually went away later that day. Anyway, I went on Yelp, and based on the good reviews, drove my car over to Marathon. The younger man took my car in and called me several hours later and quoted me over the phone saying I needed pads and rotors all around. The quote was well over $600.00. There was no way I could pay or would pay that amount. I went back to get my car and while there, he literally suggested that until I repair the brakes, I should not drive as it was not safe. Hmm... I went along with it, telling him I would take my car right home and park it and asked him for a copy of the quote. I went home and looked up all the parts he quoted which was great because I learned he quoted me original manufacturer parts. Well, my car is in very good condition for being a 2001 Camry but I really don't need original parts. Fast forward, I ended up going to Norms Auto Repair on Lincoln Avenue for a 2nd opinion. They said I only needed pads and rotors on the front and that my back brakes, much less the rotors, were at 90% and I absolutely did not need them replaced. I went ahead and got the work done, in addition to getting a sway bar replaced, for about 1/3 of what Marathon quoted. In all fairness, I waited approximately 3 months to write this review because I wanted to see if Norm's work held up. My brakes are, quiet, safe, and smooth all around. I really do not like posting negative reviews but when it comes to this kind of money, which is a lot to most of us, I want to share this as a learning experience. read more

Me: Do you believe in Karma? Paul: Absolutely. Me: Well I must be a total asshole then. I just got a nail in the tires you just sold me. So, Paul plugged the hole and refused to take my money. That sort of service is unheard of at a large chain store, but that is Paul's way. This is one of the few places with good and honest mechanics. If you need an oil change or a big fix, I highly recommend these guys. read more

Quality work, excellent customer service. These guys are the real deal. They strive to earn your trust and business. Cannot recommend more enthusaistically. Best shop I've encountered in Chicago. read more

I went there to get an oil change an returned with my wife's car after I took it somewhere else an they messed up my engine, Paul the service writer was a really cool an nice person he helped me when I needed it the most they did a REALLY great job an gave me a great price!!if you need any kind of work done they are the people you want to deal with. Thank you again! read more

They came out and did a road service (dead battery back to life) for me today. They were fast (30 mins), only $25, easy to work with, nice guys. Good job! read more

Took my car and got it fixed that day! Phil was great and explained everything ! Car runs so smoothly ! This place is amazing

I am currently sitting in the new waiting room, enjoying some maury povich and internet... And with my car in the process of being worked on I am giving this review with 5 stars already! I need a new battery and oil change (what the last place told me), and I am fine with that, but after all the reviews I hadd to stop here... and they didn't dissappoint! Paul, said come in and he would charge my battery first just to see if he could save me the money (who would do that?), and i told him I had plans to go golfing and he said if I come up in the next hr he would hold the first dock open for me to be in and out in 40 min... Truly nice people here, it is hard to find when your not oroginally from Chicago and you are used to that hometown mechanic... this can be that place! read more

I took my car in for a routine old change, and was pleased with the service. I called at about 4:30pm on a weekday (after having called a few days before to ask about a basic oil change) to see if they could take me, and they did. It was a bit of a "I guess I can squeeze you in", so I hoped they weren't creating a tone of them doing me a favor. The gentlemen who took my call and is the administrator there was very welcoming and took his time to explain what the process was. They did an oil change, batter check, and tire rotation for under $30. They also have Yelp check-in deal~! The check brought up some issues we could have taken care of there, but there was no pressure to do things and sign off on work we weren't sure about. We got an estimate and an invoice showing what everything would cost and why. Their waiting room needs some TLC, but overalll the experience was great. read more

Excellent! Called AB Marathon to make an appointment that fit my schedule. Dropped the car off on the day of appointment. I was given an estimate of the total cost, parts and labor. Repairs were performed the same day, no surprises, no extra costs. Great service as always! read more

Amazingly friendly and considerate. They go out of their way to take care of you, even if it turns out you don't really need any service! I called around 8pm two weeks ago, and Aladdin the owner answered the phone. Later, I found out the shop had closed earlier in the day but that he was in picking up something he had left at the shop. He happened to pick up the phone and went out of his way to help me. I thought I had a dead battery, and needed to get an estimate and a tow to his shop. He said his tow guy could jump my car (or tow if it didn't work) for a very reasonable rate. I guess I sounded heistant because he then asked for my address and said he personally would come to my condo and jump my car for me. So 15 minutes later, Aladdin shows up and jumps my car for me. He stands around waiting for the battery to acquire enough juice, then has me shut-off and restart the car. No problems! He disconnects the portable jumper battery, then looks at my battery and tells me it looks fine and that I don't need a new battery. He recommends I just drive it around for 20 minutes. He then starts to walk back to his car, and I ask him what I owe and he says "nothing" but if the car fails to start in the morning to call and he would arrange to have it brought in. I could not believe how nice this guy was. He was so honest, and really went out of his way to help me (a total stranger!). Did I mention this all happened hours after the shop had closed, and while Aladdin just happened to be back in the shop picking up some personal items he had left? Amazing. So while I've never had occassion to use their auto repair services, I can attest to their customer service, and that they won't recommend services that are unnecessary. I highly recommend AB Marathon. It's rare in this day and age to find service providers who take the time to actually help their customers and who actually care about outcomes as opposed to the bottom line. Thank you, Aladdin, for helping out a stranger in need! read more

I have been bringing my cars here ever for some time now and I experience quality customer services from this place. They provide honest and reasonably priced work with the results that I was looking for. I recently came to replace my upper left control arm and was not let down with the qualtiy and price of the repair. read more

this place is truly great. the technicians and other staff are helpful, kind, and knowledgeable, and they're always willing to 'go the extra mile'. corny, but true. i work around the corner from the shop and have lost track of the amount of times they've helped me or my partner out when we've been in a bind. their pricing is fair and the whole edgewater/andersonville area is fortunate to have them so conveniently located! read more

Well...like tony the tiger says "THERE GREAT!!" I came in with a weird kick to my transmission. I was ready for them to tell me i need a new transmission and to be honest i was going to let them do it. The owner told me to let him check out the car. I though for sure i was going to spend thousands. I went got a bite to eat came back and they told me that they could fix my car but i didnt need a trans. I had a bad transmission sensor that caused the car to shift at different times than normal which made it seem like the transmission was bad....Well it barley shifted. They had me out and fixed within a few hours... They could told me it was the trans and they knew i was willing to fix it!!! A honest shop is hard to find i found one... Thank you my car is running great and you did not sell me on a job that i did not need ... GOD BLESS!!!! read more

My Check Engine light came on at about 7pm, which is after most places close. I called AB Marathon and was informed that I could drop the car off right away and would get a call about what was needed sometime the next day. I didn't actually expect to get a call before noon, but got one at 9am with a detailed description of the service I'd need. Everything was done by 2pm. Remarkably fast service, and I picked it up the evening after I'd dropped it off. Reasonable prices, as far as I can tell in looking around at what things should cost, and I appreciated being immediately told about what was happening (which has been a problem with other auto service stations I'd used in the past). Very transparent and friendly. read more

Cannot say enough wonderful things about Paul and his team. My husband and I are so happy to have found a mechanic that we trust. We have received exceptional service every time we come here. They truly go above and beyond. Paul takes the time to explain things thoroughly, charges very reasonable prices, and is just an all-around nice guy. We love it here! read more

This was my third trip with a car to this shop. The other trips were a different car and had pretty basic things done to it. I recently purchased a '90 Nissan 300ZX and though it only has 83,000 miles it is a 27 year old car! I do minor mtc. myself but when the clutch pedal starting having issues where the transmission would not go into gear I took it to Paul at AB Marathon. I had done my own investigating based on the symptoms and was happy to hear Paul tell me that it was only the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder.. a lot easier to replace than the actual clutch plate! While the car was there I enquired about having the car's 120,000 mile svc. done (though it only has 83,000 miles the age made it smart to do this svc. now since I couldn't verify if the timing belt had ever been replaced. It involves the timing belt, water pump, several pulleys and a list of other items being replaced. Paul also advised me that the high pressure fuel line was leaking a little.. not dangerous but wouldn't get any better. I had him go ahead and replace that and also had an oil change, the 3 drive belts replaced and coolant flush. I had done my usual research online and got a rough idea of what the svc. might cost. Here again I was happy to find that their total estimate was lower than the high estimate I had seen online and that estimate didn't include the clutch repair, the oil change, coolant flush etc! The car is running great now and based on my experiences I highly recommend AB Marathon as being trustworthy and honest and great mechanics! read more

I dropped off my car just before 10 a.m. today. Paul helped me out, he was super friendly and outgoing. The price was awesome but nothing beats epic customer service! I'll definitely be back! Thank you, Paul! read more

This is the best car repair shop in the city. Great warranties on their work. I have had many oil changes, a new alternator and purchased tires from here. This place is fair, honest, and excellent at repairing cars. They understand customer service and will make sure you are happy. Paul is great!! read more

As the owner of a 12 year old car, I'm really happy to have found AB Marathon in my neighborhood. Paul is a straight shooter who knows what he's doing; he's not going to try to sell you something you don't need or push a service that can wait, and I always appreciate his honesty. He seems to have a great staff as well as competitive pricing. Really good guys to have in the hood. read more

I've been coming here since 2005. Shame on me for not posting this review until now. Over the years I have seen a variety of staff, but the consistent thing is that EVERY one of them is friendly, courteous, competent, and make me feel very welcome. I have had almost everything done to my cars during these eight years, and starting with Aladdin, they always try to solve the problem in the most cost-effective way possible. Now, Aladdin's son, Paul, is carrying on this amazing tradition of awesome customer service and excellent auto maintenance. Aladdin, Paul and their entire staff have earned my loyalty forever. My most recent experience here was Thursday night, May 9. I had a really bad day, and drove to dinner a couple of miles from home. I immediately notice my tire air pressure light was back on, but since I knew I had a slow leak, I didn't fret until I got to the restaurant, and saw that the tire was REALLY low. After dinner, I drove to AB Marathon, intending to just leave the car with the night clerk, and speak with Paul or Aladdin in the morning via phone. However, the night clerk told me Steve was still here, and I went to discuss my problem with him. What can I say but that Steve handled everything quickly and efficiently, and he was just the kindest person ever. He even generously offered to drive me home when he got off work, but I had to decline due to time constraints. Steve made me feel really great after my crappy day, and raised me out of my less-than-happy state-of-mind; THANK YOU! And my car was ready in less than 24 hours. It might seem extreme to talk about all of these guys as family, but that's probably only because I 1) see them more often than my family, and 2) they are all nicer than my family. read more

I lived in Andersonville/Edgewater for 5 years and liked their work so much I still brought our car to them after moving to Oak Park. I recently brought my car in for an oil change. During their inspection they noticed a screw in one of the tires and repaired it for no extra charge. They're always thorough and never overcharge. After being a car owner for over 20 years its challenging to find someone you can really trust. These guys are like having a mechanic in the family! read more

I'm writing this as I sit in my broke down vehicle in the middle of nowhere Georgia. I took my vehicle here because of all the good reviews. Truck was making a weird noise and not running as usual. The guy I spoke too was nice and friendly but from the get go didn't seem to interested in working on it. I had to call him because I didn't get a call back and it was getting close to them closing, I had dropped off the truck the night before. He said there were no problems and it was running fine. When he told me something about the spark plugs being hard to change I knew I should have gotten a second opinion. But I trusted the good reviews and a week later I'm out in the middle of nowhere with a broken fan belt and a bad water pump. read more

I have to write a review on this place because it's simply awesome! I went in for an oil change and ended up with a complete service. Paul, the owner was very nice and explain to me what my car needed done. In no way did I ever felt lied to or even trick into getting any service done. I ended up spending $476....which included 2 New front tires, a new car battery, a new air filter and a complete oil change. I was so satisfied with the service and work that I am recommending everyone to come here for a car service. Its simply the best!!! read more

Can't ask for a better all around mechanic. I bring my BMW here for anything that I need. They do great work, they're time conscious and the customer service is top notch. A perfect example of the way a family business should be. read more

Incredible customer service. I just moved to the city and my friend that helped me move has some issues with his truck. We came here because of the reviews, and can see why they have the ratings they do. Even though they were booked solid, they took the time to look at his truck and see if anything could be done. Unfortunately, they couldn't do anything, but that wasn't their fault. The employees were all extremely friendly and helpful, and they definitely know how to deliver exceptional customer service! read more

Very professional and agreeable staff. Straight shooters, telling you what you actually need and can hold off on for your car. Fast service and will work with your schedule as best they can. Can't imagine going anywhere else! read more

Wow! Steve, thank you for your professional demeanor and for going the extra mile. This little repair and maintenance shop in the Marathon station will be my destination of choice in the future. The repair technicians will repair your vehicle without the attempted upsell. Professional, quick, and straightforward sum this place up perfectly. read more

Just when you think it couldn't get better... When I was stranded a block away with a dead battery in the dead of winter, Paul offered to personally come and jump me. They do not offer off-site service but they are just that good of a neighbor. Thanks guys!!! You saved my frozen toes and my day! read more

I just had some work done on my car and once again the guys at AB Marathon were there for me. The problems were explained to me in language I could understand, the charges broken out for all parts and labor, the car was ready when they said it would be. Paul, my contact this time, even called me a week later to check in, make sure everything was good and if I had any issues, which I didn't. Thanks again guys ! read more

I've taken my car to this place several times now. I actually chose AB based on Yelp reviews and with my last experience I decided it was time to write my own review. I have a 2001 car so it's bound to have a few issues. I've had brakes/rotors replaced and the ABS taken care of through AB and every time I've went to them, they've been clear and up front about cost and I've been happy with results. I also had to take it in a few times for the check engine light and Paul went above and beyond to make sure I was happy with their service. I'd highly recommend them to anyone, especially if you are afraid of mechanics screwing you over because that's not what they're about. read more

I have never been to an auto shop (and I'm hard pressed to think of another business, honestly) that cares so much. Paul let me come in the day I needed brake pads and rotors fixed even though he was all booked up and walked me through every step, giving me explanations of what was going on with my car. Cannot recommend enough. If you need work on your car done, GO HERE! read more

As cliche as it sounds, it truly has been difficult to find a mechanic who won't take advantage of me, especially as a woman. Paul is the only one I trust with my car. Even after I moved away, I still drive half an hour just to get my oil changed. One time my car overheated and I couldn't make it to AB Marathon. Paul talked me through all the decisions and made sure I was getting a fair price, even though I was at another mechanic! His level of customer service is unparalleled. I cannot recommend him enough. read more

Just picked up our car after an oil change and safety check since we're heading out west. Very happy with the excellent customer service and knowledge of Paul. He did a complete diagnostic run on our (over 100 mile) engine and advised us on possible future issues. Awesome guy, super service station and excellent experience. read more

Wow! Awesome customer service . Went in for a very minor request and they took care of it very quickly and rally helped me out of a jam. Thanks guys , I will certainly be back! Quick update, I now have been using these guys exclusively for our 2 vehicles . I drive about 20,000 miles a year and they give me highest security against breakdowns at lowest cost I have ever experienced! read more

These guys were genuinely friendly, efficient, and affordable. I just needed a headlight replaced, so they took me in even though they were booked for the day. I was in and out in 10 minutes for $25 total for the part and labor. read more

This was my first time taking my car to AB Marathon. I was having issues with my brakes after taking them to another shop. They informed me that they had done a "thorough" inspection and could fix the problem. I found AB Marathon on yelp and it was the best decision I made. They were super friendly and professional. Discovered that my brakes needed "bleeding". Reasonable prices. I'm not sure why the other place couldn't find the problem but they lost a customer in me! AB Marathon is my repair shop now. read more

Looking for a mechanic to call "your mechanic" should be a priority to every car owner. I was beginning to doubt that Chicago had a trustworthy mechanic, and then I found this AB Marathon with Paul and his team of beyond friendly employees. I have a vintage car that can be daunting for some shops since the parts aren't always readily available at a local auto parts store. Paul didn't even question me when I told him what kind of car I had over the phone. Yes- other shops did or sounded hesitant when I spoke to them over the phone. I ended up needing a proportioning valve replaced and a new master cylinder installed. The hard part was locating and getting the correct proportioning valve for the car. Other than that- Paul kept me up to date all along the way and the total price was very fair. I'm also one of those people who feels the need to call and check in more than I should, and never once did Paul get annoyed or tell me to stop calling. Don't waste your time looking elsewhere. Go here. read more

Today was my first time at this auto body shop, and let me tell you, it won't be the last. The owner Aladdin and his son Paul were extremely nice, helpful, and genuine. I took my car in thinking that two of the cylinders were misfiring. They were swamped today but still managed to take a look at my car. Aladdin even drove me home (I live a couple miles away) instead of having to take a cab. They found that it wasn't the cylinders firing but a broken fly wheel which costs a lot more to replace. They were very informative on what needs to be done and did not charge me anything today. I will be taking the car in later once I figure out how to go about getting it fixed (new part from dealer $1250 or keep the car in the shop while a part is made for me $550 and a week to complete everything from shipment to repair). All in all I felt comfortable at AB Marathon and not hassled or ripped off. From now on I will be taking my car here to be serviced. AS long as Aladdin and/or Paul is running the place they have just gained a lifetime customer!! read more

Phil is a great guy read the reviews live close by so I decided to take the van in because it was overheating the day before. I took it in early at 8am and left my keys and contact info. Phil called me back later in the day and told me they ran several tests and they couldn't get the car to over heat. When I came in to get the keys Phil said no charge and to bring in if I have any issues. We were also low on windshield fluid and he had already filled it on the house. Honest great shop. I know where I'm taking my business in the future thanks man! read more