I don't like to badmouth places, but this is beyond justified.... I will be finding another car repair shop after my last experience. Even though one coworker likes to use them for our corporate vehicles, FOR SHEER CONVENIENCE (since they are 2 blocks from our office), the rest of the employees remain skeptical, and are consistently overcharged for unnecessary work. They are reluctant to give estimates, and always manage to "find" more things wrong with the company cars, especially since this review has been posted. Recently, I needed new brake pads for my front tires. To save some money, I picked them up at an auto parts store and brought them in. They said they would change them. Later that day, I got a call saying I needed new rotors as well. I asked how much everything would be, and I was told $160. For parts and labor for changing out brake pads and supplying and installing rotors, it seemed a little high, but I had no reason not to trust them. Just to compare, I went online, and saw that rotors with a 2-year warranty were only $31 a piece. Feeling a little worried, I called back within 5 minutes to confirm the price was for everything, and I was told, no just the rotors themselves, no labor!! $160 versus $62. I asked if I could purchase the rotors and bring them in the next day, and they said it was too late - they were already installed. Five minutes later and I was screwed. I called Mazda to see how much rotors were, and was told that they were, in fact, about $80 a piece, but if another shop installed them, there was no warranty. That's just great. I asked what the likelihood was that an auto repair shop would have them lying around, and I was told it was highly unlikely. So if they were actually factory rotors, like they claimed they were, they wouldn't just be hanging around unless they were an ordering mistake or sheer luck (sorry, doubtful). I felt very taken advantage of. When I told them money was tight and I didn't know I would be able to pay, I was told not to worry, pay when I could, and they wouldn't bother me about it. I picked up my car and found out the credit card I don't use a lot was expired, again I was reassured to give them a call when I could pay. How ironic they called me the very next morning to get a new credit card number from me. A coworker managed to get the price down, when they wouldn't do a thing for me. Which helped. But sadly, I won't be back. read more

Went last year for an estimate on body work on my Honda Element. I was planning on paying cash and wanted to know how much to put the old girl back in tip top shape. I have little dings and some big scrapes on the plastic bumper things and a scrape on the roof and dinged up bumpers. He looked over the car, jotted down some things, said he'd get back to me and a year or so later I never heard another peep. If you don't want to do estimates, fine, just say so and don't waste people's time! read more

Absurdly expensive oil change. They called to confirm that I needed a new filter and I agreed to the price. They told me an obscene amount by the time I went to pick up my car due to their labor rate on the "extra thing" they had to do involving my drain plug, which in retrospect I probably didn't need. I think they tried to upsell me because I'm female. Anyway, I went in the next day to discuss the $75 oil change and they whipped out their calculators and all this BS. I knew the math was correct on my receipt, but it was the charges I had issue with. They weren't going to listen to me so I had to chalk it up to a lesson learned. Total rip-off and I will not be going there again, which I told them and they didn't seem to care. I miss my mechanic in LA :( read more

I brought my Volvo in this morning. The mirror had been knocked out of the passenger side view, and was hanging by its electrical cords (this happened because of a misunderstanding with Baskin Robbins about the time an ice cream cake would be ready for pick-up, but that's another story). I had reattached it with duct tape and was dreading what I was expecting to be a several hundred dollar bill at the dealership. I drove by Aberdeen on my way to work in the West Loop. I stopped in and asked Joe if he would take a look, specifically asking if I needed to replace the whole side view or just the mirror. He wasn't sure, but suggested instead that he just silicon glue the mirror back onto the apparatus that holds it in place and rotates it when I press the button in my car. Joe said he could do it today if I could leave the car with him. I came back several hours later, and there it was, good as new. I tried to pay them $20 but they would only take $10. So nice, so reasonable, so fair. Best car story ever. read more

I can't say enough good things about these guys, the Click and Clack of Chicagoland. They are knowledgeable, friendly, efficient and above all, competent.and honest. Out of staters, we 'totalled' our van on Lake Shore. Led to Aberdeen by a friend, they gave us an estimate, and then stored our car while we dealt with insurance issues, whether it could be fixed, who should do it, etc etc. about all of which Joe gave us some good advice. They then fixed the car for pretty much what they had initially estimated (much less than the insurance adjuster 's estimat)e.; they kept in touch with us all during the three week process, then kept the car till we could pick it up. It looks great and runs like nothing ever happened.They turned a small nightmare into a n almost fun experience Long Live Aberdeen.! read more

We love Wayne& Joe at Aberdeen Auto. It's so hard to find HONEST and reliable auto service, but now you have it!!I I have had brakes, tires, and a problem with my power window fixed and everything is running smoothly after a visit to Aberdeen Auto!! *The entrance is actually on Fulton just east of Aberdeen* read more

Joey has been taking care of our cars for over 30 years. He is the most honest and ethical mechanic I have ever known. I trust his judgement and knowledge. My friends take their cars to him and are always pleased. Can't go wrong taking your vehicle to Aberdeen Auto. They are outstanding! read more

These guys were great. Took my lease in to get some things done prior to turning it in, and they were great. Cost me just a little to get a lot. Felt they were upfront and honest about everything. Even told me that they other quotes I had gotten (1400 & 1600) were crazy... didn't need that kind of work done for a lease. Thanks guys! read more

Brought our car to these guys after reading the reviews here - very glad we did. They were honest and upfront about the repair work that was needed, and they got it done timely at a great price. Simple and easy - couldn't ask for more. We will definitely be back. (Plus they get bonus points for having a dog!) read more

I don't know why it's taken me so long to write a review. I had a really good experience with these guys back in July. Brand new to Chicago, was pulling out of a gas station and some guy (who was too far in the street, so he decided to begin backing up without even looking behind him) slammed right into my baby. He caused more damage to his car than mine, but his insurance still paid me out over $800 (not complaining!). There wasn't really a dent in my car, more like a large scrape due to collision of our cars. I took my car to Aberdeen, fully ready to use all of the insurance money to get my car fixed, and they buffed out the scratch for $50. $50!!!??? My car looks awesome. And being a poor, broke grad student, I really appreciate it. read more

I was introduced to the guys at Aberdeen through my sister who was introduced to them through our friend, who is a motorcycle mechanic. An auto repair shop that a mechanic trusts is alright in my book. Aberdeen is great! I totally trust the guys at Aberdeen to diagnose and fix what may be ailing my car without "finding" something else to "fix." I have had my brakes done, gotten 2 new tires and had them check my car when my "maintenance required" light came on. I have also had body work done at Aberdeen when I crunched the passenger side of my car on a barricade. (I'm really not a bad driver, I swear!) Well, the body and paint work they did looks perfect!! You'd never guess that anything had happened! You can take your vehicle to Aberdeen without any fear of getting taken. And when they're done you can drive away without any worries! read more

I went in with a heater switch that had gone out. I listed this problem at the top of the list of small problems. Instead of going by the list and fixing the heat first, they up-sell you on crap you may or may not need. Meanwhile, they fix the up-sell issues, charging you an arm and a leg and you leave and your heat still doesn't work properly. You bring it back twice and they still can't get it working. $2,200 later, heat blows only slightly, no apologies or explanation from Joe. Just broken heat, see you later, 'good luck' he says. The real kicker about this is the heat was rigged with a switch previously, before bringing it in to these guys, and it worked, and blew correctly. Heat came out of the vents strongly, no problem, I just wanted a new switch. Yet, somehow, somehow, magically, it's now broken and needs two swtiches replaced, which they replaced, and another $350 later on top of the $1,850 they charged me for crap I didn't even bring it in for, the heat still, still, still doesn't work properly!!! It worked when I brought it in!!! I just needed a new switch!!! Yet, somehow, it's impossible that they could have done anything to cause issue. Also, now the blower motor sounds like a trainwreck, although it sounded fine before I brought it in. Joe cleverly avoids questions about how his shop could be at fault by shifting to an explanation of the work performed. No apologies, nothing, just 'good luck'. 'Good luck' to you, Joe! read more

Like Ashely A. said, I don't know why I didn't think to post something sooner... I've been using these guys for years and have recommended them to many friends. I have always found them to be forward, upfront, and truthful about whatever the matter was with my car.... in fact I bought my last car from them! (after bringing previous cars to them for years). From time-to-time I've suspected them of being a bit overpriced... however I'd still prefer to pay a premium to have the work done right, by mechanics I know and trust, then by someone at some 'chain store' who doesn't care. read more

By far the best customer service ever. Great job guys. Took my wifes car in this morning for a minor fix and just loved their customer service. read more

These guys have saved my bacon more than once over the years. I had a 1977 Ford pick up truck that they brought back from the dead about 3 times. Then they took care of my SAAB and now my Jeep. I won't go anywhere else. Joe & his team are the best! He'll always let you know what the problems are, what the cures are before doing any work. When you make your decision, then he'll start the work. One of the few truly honest business men left! read more

Aberdeen Auto stole from my car and refused to return what was stolen. I have filed criminal complaints.

Great guys to work with and really know ALOT about cars. If you are looking for a sub $20 oil change this is NOT the place to go. That's like trying to buy a Rolex at the Swatch store ....... you are paying for the personal service. If your car doesn't need personal service (oil change, brake pads, tires, etc) then don't go there; go get treated like a cattle at one of the big stores. There is a time and place for that. If you need some attention to detail for the work done to your car, this is the place to go. Wayne & Joe are going to tell you how it is ... I can guarantee that!!! read more

On a Friday, I went to this place for an estimate, and the guy jotted my email, phone number, VIN number, and plate number down, and then scribbled down something brief (looked like 6-7 words) on the paper, before telling me that their estimator was out until the following Tuesday. He said they'd be in touch. Tuesday came and went, so I called them and the guy was pretty rude. He also did not have the estimate, so I told him to forget about it. Definitely not recommended. read more

Went back to Aberdeen's for an oil and filter change. I dropped my car off in the morning and had it back by lunch time the same day. They were even able to paint over some small scratches that I had on my car for free. Excellent service and very nice people! read more

These guys wouldnt even give me a straight answer for an estimate. Doesnt seem like they want/need my business.

i'm writing this to counterbalance some of the critical reviews Aberdeen is getting lately. About a year ago, we smashed our front end in on Lake Shore. We are out of towners and had to go through the whole business of getting the car towed, and take care of the whole business via phone and email. The Aberdeen guys stayed on top of a complicated repair and more complicated insurance problems with good cheer and timely communication. And they did a great job quickly for a good price. We recommend them to our Chicago friends. read more

I really liked these guys and felt they were honest. I had problem with hood opening on my 99 Ford Explorer. Aberdeen was recommended by my prior mechanic. I dropped off car in morning, went to work, and it was ready for me to pick up later after work. Price was reasonable, and 2 guys were friendly. Also had a nice dog lying around. Will use them again. read more

My car sits really low so when I ran up onto the curb (blame it on snow banks) I pulled the underneath part away from the front of my car. Not a huge deal but needed to have repaired as it was pulled back to almost touch my front tire. Called Aberdeen and they told me I could bring my car in right away. Dropped it off and only 30 mins later they where finished. Best part of all is they only charged $20! They were nice, quick and very reasonable so I'd recommend them to others. read more

Serious LOVE for these guys! My husband's work van gets broken into about 3-4 times a year since we have to park on the street in the neighborhood. He always takes it to Aberdeen and they make any necessary repairs quickly and for a reasonable price. The first time we called around for estimates for a replacement window and no one came close to Aberdeen's cost. A few weeks ago I called AAA when my car wouldn't start. They came out and said I needed a new battery, not just a jump. It was going to cost me $125 so I made a quick call to Aberdeen since they are just a few blocks away and they were able to give me a quote before AAA left and they were, once again, far more reasonably priced. We send everyone we know who needs repairs to them and everyone says they will never go anywhere else again. They are great about getting the work done quickly too which goes a long way if you hate the bus like I do. read more

Joe does great work. He's knowledgeable, hard working and honest - a rare combination for mechanics in Chicago. I've taken my cars there for a few years and am always happy with the service. I highly recommend Joe and his team. read more

This is a sad story. I was a loyal customer of Aberdeen for about 10 years, in that time I can think of 6 people I sent there who had work done on their vehicles, these are the ones I know of for sure, but I recommended many. Well, I was moving out of state, and I was taking my car with me - it hadn't been driven in several years as i had it stored, but it ran fine when put up, and the service it needed was clutch related. I figured I would give it to Joe, and let him know when I was leaving - I didn't need the car before then, so he had almost a month to do the work. In addition to the clutch question, I asked him to go through the brakes and replace the hoses and any rubber parts. Joe has the car for a few days and calls to tell me that the radiator just up and sprang a leak! He admitted that he had started and ran the car several times since I dropped it off, and knew it looked bad to have this happen at his shop, but I trusted the guy, so I said not to worry about it and go ahead and fix it. The car is a classic, and I could get parts cheaper over the internet, so Joe gives me a long list of stuff to get - then sends me to the local BMW dealer twice more for more parts - this is getting expensive! In the end, the clutch issue was nothing but some labor - an adjustment. When I went to pick the car up he charges me $1000+ and then tells me that he didn't "have time" to put the radiator in! He said "I don't know what you want to do about that" - WTF! He smelled like he had drank his lunch, so maybe that explains all of this. I had to have the car flatbed towed home as i was leaving town the next day. Before putting the car on the tow bar the next morning I looked in the truck - yep, there was the new radiator, as well as the brake parts I had purchased! I guess he didn't have time to do that work either? It is sad - I liked this guy, trusted him, talked highly of him, and this is what I get. I don't know if he is hitting the sauce or not, but he ripped me off, and you should probably really think about that before you trust him too. read more