Want a great, honest mechanic? YOU WANT PARENTS! I've been bringing my cars there for the last 26 years because they earned my trust immediately, and they've consistently done such good work! They're also extremely nice to deal with. A couple times in a pinch over the years, I had to go elsewhere, and the other place (which has a solid reputation) was nowhere near Parents' quality. I'm so glad these guys exist. :) read more

I took my car here a few weeks ago for an oil change and brake pad/rotor replacement. Upon picking my car up and driving for a few hours, I noticed a giant oil leak under my car. Took it back promptly and they claimed it was a "faulty crush washer on the drain plug". If I had to guess, it was just installed improperly and they blamed it on a defective washer... Fast forward a to today where I am driving a couple hundred miles later and the skid plate under the engine is scraping on the ground and is barely hanging on by a single bolt. I am guessing they improperly installed the skid plate after the oil change as well. They were nice enough to send some kids over to clean up the oil spill in my driveway, but overall I would strongly recommend taking your car anywhere else but here. read more

I had taken my car here for years before it changed hands. Under the new ownership, I was quoted $1000 for a repair that was framed as a safety issue. After getting a second opinion from a trusted mechanic, I found out that I had been overquoted about $350, and that the repair was not necessary. Do not recommend. read more

I'm sorry, but I have to do this review. This facility is under new ownership , prior to this I did not have any issues for the many years that I've been going there. I brought my car in because it was making a noise while driving. They had it in their possession for three full days and drove it enough to use up a half a tank of gas. I brought it in full and when I got it back, it was half empty. They said they couldn't find out what the problem was. I ended up taking it to the dealer, and the dealer said that the brakes were metal on metal at this point. I contacted parents and they admitted to me they didn't check the back brakes. I ended up having to get my rotors replaced as well. I don't know if the fact that they drove my car with bad brakes extensively damaged the rotors. my car only has 65,000 miles on it. I just don't think there was any excuse for them not figuring out it was the brakes within one day. Definitely shouldn't take three days and many many miles of driving it to try to "listen for the noise" themselves even though I played audios of what it sounded like for them.. read more

Stopped going there years ago. Couldn't help me with my repair. Went elsewhere for service.

I don't think I'll ever bring my car anywhere but here. The service is always 10/10. They are always kind and patient and honest. I never feel condescended to, which is huge as a young woman who has felt condescended to pretty much everywhere else I've tried taking my car in the past. I would highly recommend them. They go out of their way to take care of you and your car. This is the type of place that other auto care companies should try to be. read more

One of my snow tires was ruined in a pothole on 50th Street. I drove home that night on the flat tire, and called Parents the next day. They gave me the # of a tow company who took off the flat tire, and put on a non-snow tire. I took the ruined tire to Parents, and they found they could order me a replacement snow tire. They then checked the pressure in all 4 tires, and didn't have me pay ahead for the tire they ordered. They checked the wheel of the flat tire, and determined it was still OK to use. Today they installed the replacement snow tire. And, as they say, I was good to go! I have been very happy with Parents for many years of work on the various cars I have owned. read more

They were very quick to respond and super accommodating to my schedule. Mike was awesome!

Always super helpful and great at explaining all things car-related without coming across as condescending!

I'm totally late on this review, but as all things go, it's better late than never! Thanks to Cody S.'s review who mentioned this place as "Honest" and "Up front," I stopped by the 'rent's the other day to check up on one of my tires in hope that I wouldn't be tricked by some smokes and mirrors of the auto-repair world. I totally expected that I'd be charged up to my eyeballs for the repair for the slow leak that I thought I had. Lo and behold. The kind mechanics at the shop took care of my problem for free! The manager (whose name I should've asked for) told me that my tire pressure needle was bent and that they helped fixed the problem for me. In hindsight, I really should've tipped them for their service, but I didn't have any cash at the time. I totally recommend this place! I know I'll be taking my car there from now on for sure! read more

We have been going to Parents for the past several years and could not be happier. They are professional, upfront about work and costs, and sincerely friendly. They explain things respectfully and in detail and we have total trust in their work. read more

I will always opt for the local business over a chain, always. That said, Yelp reviews directed me to this place for their affordability and trustworthiness. My stupid jalopy has been making an awful grinding sound, and after charging me $40 just to LOOK at the damn thing, I received a rambling, apologetic quote for new rear brakes, routers, callipers, blah blah, a total sum of nearly $2000. Not having that kind of money on hand, I brought it to a PEP BOYS for a second opinion, not mentioning what Parents had suggested. PEP BOYS gave me the same diagnosis, but the grand total for everything came to a mere $790. That includes a conventional oil change. Maybe I walked into Parents looking like a sucker, I dunno. Or maybe "affordable" means something different to me than it does to the tangletown people reviewing this place. Definitely never going back. read more

So, yesterday my window fell into my door. Seriously. I came out from the bank, saw my window was gone, thought momentarily that someone had robbed me, realized the window had somehow moved to the bottom of the door, and immediately called Parent's. Because, of course, who wants to drive around in December in Minnesota with no window? They told me to bring it by as soon as I could, and they would fix it. 1 hour later, I had my window back with no damage to the window and little damage to my pocketbook. These guys seem super-honest and do good work. Highly, highly recommended for someone looking for a good mechanic in Uptown. read more

I was in a crappy situation - I know nothing about cars (I try to stick to the gender stereotypes...or something like that) besides how to check fluid levels in my ancient car of doom. I was low on oil, but didn't need an oil change. My father told me to stick with the same brand of oil that I had put in during my last oil change. WELL, my last oil change took place at a fancy-pants dealer, because I had a coupon, yadda yadda. Well, they put Kendall oil in, and no place sells non-bulk Kendall oil, ANYWHERE, jeepers. The internet told me that Parents had Kendall oil as an option when you got your oil changed, so I wandered over to Parents and put on my pathetic face and asked if they had any I could use. They were within their rights to tell me to get a damn oil change if I wanted to use their oil, but instead they sent a repair guy out with a can of oil to top off my tank, no questions asked. Four bucks later, I was on my way. They were super nice and didn't make me feel like a dumbass. Uhh, cool story bro? My point is that Parents seems to staff a bunch of honest guys who will go out of their way to help someone out. A+ in my book...I'll be back. read more

I had to have my newly purchased (used) car towed a month after I purchased it. Parents Auto quoted me for $1,900.00 for a new ECU, some hood latch work and suggested Cabin Filter replacement. I called around and everyone said the same thing. $1,900 is crazy! I paid my $130 diagnostic fee. I had it towed out of there and noticed they didn't close my hood and I clearly didn't want it towed away and risk the hood flying up. When I asked if they kept it open for a reason, the guy said "it took two of us to open your hood, so we didn't want to close it". I told the guy I never had problems and went out to inspect it myself. THIS IS WHAT I FOUND: Hood latch looked fine, so I closed my hood. I went into the Toyota cabin and engaged the hood release latch....POP went the hood! I shut the hood and went back to pop it a second time when I noticed the gas cap was open. Then i realized: They were opening my gas cap while someone climbed under my hood to release the cable for the hood with a pliers. (The hood release and gas release are right next to each other. One shows the hood up, the other shows the gas symbol.) These guys are clearly not competent to do anything beyond an air filter change if you ask me. I wouldn't even trust them to get an oil filter snugly on. I brought my car somewhere else and I was out the door for $370. And my hood latch is just FINE! PS..don't talk to me about replacing a cabin filter when my truck won't run. And I truly feel like were ready to take full advantage of me knowing I had a vehicle towed to them that was DEAD. They wanted to charge me 7 times more the cost it should had. read more

I've had a few oil changes done by Parent's, and now had tires installed. Each time the staff are friendly and informative, and have notified me of potential issues from their inspections without a hard sell on an expensive repair. Today's tires came in less than the quote I got during my last oil change, even though my wheels are a little buggered from this year's potholes. They showed me the out-of-true wheels, said they'd do what they could to balance the tires, and then did it. I doublechecked the tire price against a couple places (including online places like Tire Rack) and Parent's was cheaper. Great service, competitive pricing, right here in south Minneapolis. Nothing sucks more than spending money fixing a car. Spending it with Parent's makes it suck a little less, and I can get on board with that. read more

SO- My boyfriend and I got stranded with car trouble in Montrose, Colorado (population 20,000) on our vacation. We took our car to the nearest place (Big O Tires), and after looking at the car and taking the wheel apart, the mechanics announced that we had to replace the bearings AND the spindle. These guys had seemed sketchy from the start, but looking at the spindle I could see NOTHING wrong. So we called Parent's. They asked a bunch of questions, got the story, and told us we did not need to replace the spindle- that it was probably fine. This saved us $400, and a day of waiting. Trusting your mechanic, and their wisdom, is so vitally important in these sorts of situations. And the car still runs great- haven't had a single problem with it since, even though the guys at Big O Tires insisted we probably wouldn't even make it back to Denver. Please. Get your car fixed here. These guys are amazing. read more

I like to be able to ignore my car. It gets me where I'm going, and I appreciate that, but I don't want to spend too much time thinking about it beyond that. I know pretty much nothing about how it operates, so when something goes wrong I tend to panic. Will I find a trustworthy person to tell me what's going on? Will it cost me an arm and a leg? Will I shell out hundreds of dollars only to have the problem crop up again a week later? Thank goodness for honest places like Parent's Automotive. Our check engine light came on, and the car was overheating, so we needed help ASAP. My husband called Parent's on Monday about 15 minutes before they opened, and the gentleman who answered advised us to get the car in to their shop right away, and they'd be able to look at it immediately. We were surprised that we could get in so quickly, but the experience only got better from that point. A few hours after we dropped the car off, we had an estimate. $460 to back-flush the radiator (to fix the overheating problem), replace the fuel line, and replace the fuel cap (the cause of the check engine light). This included parts AND labor! Just a few hours after my husband gave the go-ahead, the shop sent out a shuttle to pick my husband up from home to come and get the car. The shuttle was free, and the repairs cost exactly what they said they would. Easy peasy! The car now runs like a dream; it used to make weird noises that I would try to ignore, and the noises are all gone! It feels great to have found a local mechanic that we can truly trust. We'll probably even get our oil changes done at Parent's from now on. read more

I would've given no stars if I could. I tend to drive 20 year old cars so I've been to my fair share of auto care shops. This place wanted to replace the head gasket (they said it was "bad") and the radiator in a 20 year old car for $2700 !!! No I am not making this up. Needless to say, I got a second opinion. Took my vehicle to Nelson's Auto, like I should have in the first place, and got it back in tip top shape for less than $600. Believe it, avoid Parent's Auto Care at all costs! read more

Small town care in a big city. Honestly the only thing I miss about the small town I am from-the honesty of the companies. This place like everyone else has stated is honest and no nonsense. They fix what needs fixing at an affordable price and there's never any hidden "oh we see you 'needed' this so we went ahead and replaced it" BS. If you ask for an oil change at a certain price, you're getting that oil change at that price! That being said though they will point out some real flaws in your vehicle if they see them but will always ASK before performing any type of extra repair. Just wholesome good work. Awesome guys. Highly recommend. read more

After searching reviews for auto repair shops in the area, I opted for these guys. I called right away when they opened. The gentleman I spoke with was friendly and helpful and told me he could get my car in right away. Fast forward to my call-back to discuss the problem. Since my car is older I always expect the worst when having something go wrong. I was pleasantly surprised when in less then an hour the problem was discovered (fuel pump relay) and that it would be replaced and ready by the afternoon. I was even happier when he told me my grand total would be only $240. I drove off happy and with my car running as good as new. Suffice it to say if you're in need of honest, quick and reasonable mechanics, these guys are the place to go. I will definitely be back! (just hopefully not too soon) read more

When I walked in, I asked if I needed to make an appointment. A service worker said there was an opening in 5 minutes. He also said the oil change would take 45 minutes. Service wasn't bad, but very impersonal. (Maybe auto services are just really friendly in southern california?!) I got my car 45 minutes later. Oil change for an SUV: a little over $30 after tax. My car felt and sounded strange & jittery for a few hours after I drove my car away from Parent's Auto. After I get an oil change, driving usually feels smooth and the engine is very quiet. I hope my car doesn't blow up...! (0_x) read more

Super efficient & honest. Did what needed to be done without overselling more services. Highly recommend & will be back if needed.

Finding a new auto repair place is scary when you just move to a new town. The guys here were really nice and they replaced my starter motor for $50 less than I was quoted at two other places in the area. Thanks Moe read more

Most people know how hard it is to find a trustworthy mechanic. I know enough about cars to know when I'm being ripped off, and 95% of the time people are trying to pull the wool over my eyes (being female doesn't help me, either). The people at Parent's came in at a competitive price, fixed my repairs and were kind and considerate. They did what it took to make me a repeat customer and went above and beyond. I would recommend this place to anyone. Seriously, if you're looking for a trustworthy garage full of people who care, this is your new place. read more

My wife and I have been going to Parent's for over a year now and we are always MORE than satisfied. We always request that Bryon Herbeck work on our vehicles as he consistently does high quality, fast work. This shop is very friendly, and extremely trustworthy. They will never overcharge you for anything, make you feel stupid, or take advantage of people with little to no car knowledge. I refer all my friends to this place and will continue to do so. Don't make the mistake of taking your car anywhere else. STOP LOOKING AROUND, THIS IS THE SHOP!! read more

I feel like Parents Autocare took advantage of me. I trusted that they would fulfill their promise on their website of "Honesty - do only the work necessary." However, they did nearly $1,500 worth of work when the actual problem turned out to be a $300 fix. I am really disappointed. They told me I needed new "upstream o2 sensors" and new spark plugs: that costed me $581 (diagnose check engine light, install upstream 02, spark plugs R&R, OEM oxygen sensor, spark plug-copper-OE type 3132, environmental fee). The problem persisted and they told me I actually needed new "lower half air cleaner housing", new air filter, and new air cleaner bolts: that costed me $233 (air filter pro-select 22831, install air cleaner housing, lower half air cleaner housing OEM 96536693, air cleaner bolts OEM 94501363). The problem persisted yet again and they told me that I now needed a new thermostat, new antifreeze, and a new "fresh air intake boot with MAF": that costed another $586 (R&R thermostat and gasket, thermostat OEM 55597008, antifreeze G001200, fresh air intake boot with MAF OEM 96808176, environmental fee). It turns out a $300 intake boot was the cause of the problem. read more

Our car broke down a couple of blocks from their shop. We were defiantly panicked, but they were calm and able to get us in the next day. Mike was kind enough to give me an itemized list before the service was done to ensure we were getting the best deal. Like many of the previous reviews have said they are very fair priced with amazing service. I would highly recommend it! read more

Highball me? I'll go elsewhere. My truck's rear transaxle went out, in Excelsior. I had brought my truck into Parents earlier that day and described the situation to them. I returned 3 1/2 hours later and they hadn't gotten around to checking it out. I took it to work and didn't make it back. I called them again and explained the new situation. They worked out a discounted tow and got it back into the city. Later, I got a call and a quote. It turned out that my entire rear of my truck needed to be replaced, and that including the tow ($50) it would cost upwards of $2600 and would take 3 days to complete. I asked him if I could call him back after I wrapped my head around it. (Side note: I grew up on the sticks and know a thing or two about this car stuff.) I called one guy that my co-worker recommended with confidence, in Eden Prairie. $1280 in 1 day. I gave the VIN# of the truck to him, he called the dealership and made it happen. The Parents guy babbled about how I needed all this special crap. I think he felt that he had me captive over the tow deal, I think not. Shop around, my friends. read more

I was a customer here for years. Parents Auto Care somewhat recently changed ownership, and it shows. The crew seemed hassled when I would bring my vehicle in for maintenance or repairs. They acted like they were doing me a favor by allowing me to pay retail for car repair. At one visit, my car was started while they were working on it, when it should've remained off. A communication breakdown of sorts. My engine was basically blown. Parents DID end up replacing a TON of expensive equipment, at no cost to me, but I was without a vehicle for a long time, when the original repair was simple and straight forward. The last time I went to Parents, I needed an exhaust system for Civic Si EP3. They quoted me over $2000 for the mid-pipe, resonator, and muffler, which is crazy, but accurate. I got the parts on my own, and they (over) charged me for installation . I appreciated them installing the system, because I don't have a lift. Problem was, they charged me about $450 for an 02 sensor. AN 02 SENSOR!! I've spent thousands of dollars here, and I'm treated like I'm asking to use the restroom. Go with a shop that doesn't take in all vehicles. If you have an import, go with an import specific shop. You can typically find a quality shop, specific to the continent of your import (Japan/Germany/etc). read more

I decided not to bring my car to the dealership, so that I may save a little money and time. Parent's Auto is not too far away from my house, and so I thought I would give it a shot. It soon turned into an awful experience. I picked my car up late Friday afternoon and my turn signals and dash board lighting were completely inoperable. Also, my speedometer wasn't giving me the correct MPH. Additionally, there was a wonderful new scratch on my driver's side door. I was and still am very ticked off. The maintenance guy told me the owner will give me a call on Monday. I'll let you all know how my conversation went with him. read more

I made two phone calls for inquiring about a tire change this morning and this service is as rude as many of these other reviewers suggest. I was told that I could be "squeezed in" instead of offered an appointment time. The man sounded annoyed at my questions and quoted me a 10 hour window for possibly getting my tire replaced. I called another location across the street and received much more direct responses with appropriate service times. My business is not your charity case to "squeeze in"; be direct with your scheduled availability! read more

Car died on the side of the road yesterday. Alternator was bad, and I tried to push through it. Got toed to this place on the suggestion of our tow truck driver and met with Andrew. Helpful, kind and had it fixed and turned around in less than 24 hours. Price was right around expected. More than happy with service we received here! read more

Honestly one of the best experiences I've ever had taking my car in. I walked in & told them I may need new tires as I had been told by previous places that my tires were shot & would not last me through the winter. They checked my tires & said they should b good for a couple years yet & even game me some advice on how to check the tread on the tires myself. It was very refreshing going to a place that would take the time to explain something like that to me without making me feel stupid. read more

Honest. Up front. Timely. Everything you want in a auto repair shop. They replaced my cam sensor and could easily have duped some belt/hose/alignment work out of me. But they did only what was needed. My only complaint is that they are always busy! The price you pay for honest work I guess... read more

Good work, done fairly timely, with a friendly attitude. They'll give you your options for upcoming maintenance issues without being high-pressure to get the up-sell (and I really appreciate that). Prices are competitive even if their work isn't any more affordable than other places in town. Parent's is now my go-to repair shop. read more

Absolutely amazing service. Went to a few other shops when I first moved to Minneapolis but was never entirely satisfied or trusting of those places. After one shop told me I needed an unexpected repair which would have been a few hundred dollars I brought my car to Parents, they said it wasn't true, and for the last several years I haven't gone anywhere else. They do a great job, are very forthright, and do a great job. read more

Outstanding service! I went here for the first time to get my car checked before taking a long road trip. Normally I feel extremely uncomfortable at auto shops (I don't yet know enough about cars to gauge whether or not people are taking advantage of me, overcharging, etc. and often have felt quite patronized) - but the staff here was extremely kind, respectful, honest, and quick. They did a full check, filled my tires, de-iced my wheel wells, etc. - all free of charge! You'd think I was a family friend that had been going there for years. I definitely will go back next time my car needs any kind of maintenance. read more

Totally awesome service. Very trustworthy and affordable. I told them what I thought was wrong and also asked to check on another thing. Both were done in a timely fashion. They told me a price quote on both problems. I opted for the cheaper option, and there was zero pressure. I have found a new mechanic and I always fix my own stuff. read more

Friendly service, excellent communication. They made me feel I was in control of each decision. Definitely not a forceful approach trying to sell me anything... Much more of an informative, consultative process. Moe was very friendly and helpful. read more