I don't think they are actively trying to defraud customers, but I also don't think they are top-notch on technical competence. Further, their prices are wildly inflated. We experienced an engine malfunction with my daughter's car, which sounded like a misfire. I checked reviews for nearby garages, and Village Motor Works seemed to be pretty good, so my daughter took it here. They diagnosed the primary issue as a stretched and jumped timing chain, with secondary impacts to the coils and plugs. I dealt with two service advisors--one was nice and helpful, but the other was rather rude and dismissive. Unfortunately, my primary service advisor was the rude one. Maybe he was having a bad day, or maybe he had a lot going on. I don't know, but I called up to discuss the diagnosis, and he was extremely dismissive. I tried to get him to walk me through how they arrived at their verdict, and he just repeatedly stated with absolute certainty that it was a timing chain issue. He quoted me $3,679 to replace the timing chain (typical is around $2,400-$2,800) plus $2,400 for plugs and coils (should be no more than about $1,200-$1,700). Given the misfires, I completely understand the rationale for replacing the plugs, but one could argue replacement of any/all coils is unnecessary. I tried to talk through some ways to get the job pared back, but he was unyielding. $6,000+ or get your car off my lot. So I did. I had it towed elsewhere, and the second garage correctly diagnosed the problem as a misfire caused by a single failed coil. I was back on the road for a little over $1,300, and that included a second diagnostic fee and a tow. In summary, I do not think they dreamed up the timing issue to extort money out of me (which is why I am not leaving a one-star rating), but I do think their tech misdiagnosed the core issue. I could even live with that, but then they were rude to boot. Two stars. read more

People should know the real issue here isn't the front desk staff or the mechanics it's the owner, Mark M. The employees are treated with disrespect, spoken to unprofessionally, and are exposed to a toxic work environment. There are also concerns from workers about not being properly paid for and since he is the sole owner, he think he can cut your pay without a valid reason other than a pathetic one. The lack of professionalism and respect seems to affect both staff and customers alike. Check reviews yourself. In times like these, people deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity. If you choose to support this business, you're supporting a flawed system and be aware that the environment here does not appear to have the employees or customers' best interests in mind, only profit. read more

I use this place for convenience on occasion Bc I can walk to work! But, i paid DOUBLE what i normally pay! For a simple (synthetic) oil change & tire rotation (no Cabin air or engine air filters!) I paid $162! For reference i attached my invoice from Christian bros for the exact same service in dec! read more

Village Motor Works - This is what i pay at Christian Brothers usually! - Auto Repair Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

As a local Downtown Raleigh resident I'm disappointed on how this establishment has handled my situation. I brought one my vehicles in for a repair for lost of power. Every visit costing me thousands of dollars first repair was on 09/25 we are currently on 11/07 they have yet to resolve the issues instead of communicating their lack on knowledge they just kept replacing parts without of my consent charging me and once I would arrive I would be charge parts and labor without any resolution to the issues in hand . They would put me in very dangerous situations where the car would not go pass a certain speed and just tell me they didn't have the time to actually drive my vehicle to make sure it was safe to operate. I attempted to get contact information from the front desk staff for someone to hopefully resolve my situation and was told they will just tell me the same thing customer service is poor. Please save the headache and just got to some more experienced . They fixed some transmission lines and didn't even correctly secure them having another shop finnaly repair the leak after coming to them 3 times for the same issues and giving me the vehicle back with no repairs but charging me as if they did. VERY VERY RUDE. read more

I use this place for oil changes ONLY because I'm in the neighborhood so I can walk, I like supporting small businesses, and it is convenient. The same guy is in there every time, and he is rude/curt. It's very clear that he hates his job. I feel like I bothering him every single time I interact with him. This will be the last time I ever use Village Motor Works, dropped my car off for an appointment at 7:30AM for an oil change and state inspection. Asked when it would be ready, got a generic "we will call you." I finally called at 10:58AM, asking and was told with in the hour. Then got a text 12 minutes later that it was ready. It has taken them over 4 hours to get this done. NEVER AGAIN, it is pricey, rude, slow, and gives off the impression they don't care not do they care about repeat business. $200.60. The guy knew I was upset, was slightly nicer than normal. Didn't even get an apology. read more

Village Motor Works was recommended very highly to me back before it was a Midas and I had good experiences. Now that it's Village Motor Works again I am happy to say I will still recommend. Friendly efficient customer service, thorough, work done right, prices correct, nice clean space, and convenient location. I really appreciate it and will be back! read more

We've been using Village Motor Works (née Midas) since we moved to Raleigh in 2021. They always do good work, always on time! Raleigh friends tell me that they are a little pricey, but we moved here from DC and Ft.Lauderdale, and their prices are better than what we experienced in those areas (DC was $2k minimum whenever you took your car in for *anything*, like a 50k mile full maintenance visit or a broken AC belt!!) They communicate through text and email to give you status updates on your car, and I especially appreciate that. Plus, it's literally 3.5 blocks from our condo!! read more

Best shop in town. I first came to Village Motor Works when it was still spelled motorwerks and owned by Bill and Pam. Back then I had a VW, and they treated me well. So when I returned in July '17, I was surprised to find the place had changed hands and undergone one heck of a facelift. Since July I've had the pleasure of dealing with Bryan and Elizabeth several times because I've recently purchased two new-to-me vehicles that have needed some work. Bryan is the best kind of mechanic. He not only knows his stuff, he'll show you what's wrong, and explains how he plans to fix the problem before diving in. I've received nothing but exceptional customer service from him and Elizabeth each and every time I've passed through their door. It's always nice to find a great mechanic, and if you're looking for someone who exemplifies honesty while offering great service for a reasonable cost, you've found your shop. I won't be taking my vehicles anywhere else so long as they're in business. read more

Kyle was awesome! They have an excellent work culture there and really try to help you out and save money for you as best they can. Brought my 06 Silverado in and it needed a ton of work. The truck drives like new now and they were able to get it back to me in just one day. Will only bring my vehicles here from now on. read more

Really appreciate the honest, affordable, fast, and reliable service from VMW! Saved me a boatload of money on an A/C repair and got my car back to me on the same, which was much appreciated in the heat wave. Could not have asked for a more thorough explanation of what was done to my car and I appreciated their feedback that if I had any issues to bring it back for a further inspection (at no charge). Really great folks running this place! read more

I am new to Raleigh and recently took my Jeep GC to Bryan for a basic tune up. It wasn't anything exotic but I found Bryan to be friendly, honest and helpful about questions I had about my wife's car. I plan to be a regular customer. read more

08/03/17 Update: I just wanted to put a note in on the new owner. I was a little worried when the old crew retired but I gave him a shot, and I was not disappointed. I brought it in for a simple oil change and check and he went above and beyond and tightened up my AC belt without me even needing to mention it. Still a fair price and great service. I also really like the modern and clean look to the waiting room that the new owner has brought. The old place had a dusty old school charm but it's a really nice upgrade for the shop. Definitely still a 5 star Mechanic and I look forward to coming back to build a new relationship. I also hope the old crew have a great retirement! ------ Honest. The best mechanics in the city. They know what they are talking about and won't charge you more than what is fair. I've had everything from my AC replaced, to pesky engine light problems, to oil changes. They are consistently a few hundred dollars cheaper that other stores in the area for big jobs. They don't like using non OEM parts, so keep that in mind. If you want to buy a cheap refitted part I'd suggest going elsewhere. They do it right the first time. read more

Small shop with great service! First time going here was 2 days ago to get my new tires put on and they were fast, friendly, and decently priced! Will definitely be coming back here to Village Motor Works for any future car troubles! read more

I went to Village Auto Works for the first time and they were awesome. Very polite and on time. I have used a previous small shop in the area for the past 25 years and they were fine but they did not work well off of appoinments. Bryan was great even after I missed my initial appointment and had to reschedule. I will definitely be back. read more

Best oil change experience I have ever had. Quick and reliable. The place had a great feel to it for a car shop(industrial/modern). I will definitely be going back for all my car needs. read more

I have never, in my 47 years, encountered more honest, reasonable and smart mechanics. You can be guaranteed that you will not only get honest work at a fair price but they take the time to explain exactly what/where/when and why. I am fairly handy and know a good bit about cars but a lot of stuff is out of my knowledge. They have also referred me to other honest specialist who have taken great care of me. Pam and Greg ROCK! read more

Exceptional, prompt, and honest service - couldn't recommend more highly.

Yesterday I took my car in because it had been parked for a few months this winter and it needed at the very least a few touch ups like air on the tires, resetting the computer, etc. I took it in for an overall check up and tune up. I dropped it off in the morning and picked it up mid afternoon. When I went to get my money out to pay, here is what I was told: "you don't owe us anything! You are our costumer and we were happy to check up on your car; everything looks ok and even the oil color is fine, we reset the computer and put air in the tires. Perhaps this summer you'll need an oil change." It was moving to find honesty and consideration beyond the norm. This was the type of interaction that makes me hold on to the hope that humanity will make it and that the world is worth saving! Yes! all that from taking my car in for a check up. I hope you can also enjoy knowing your car will be in good and honest hands. JC Erickson read more

Village Auto Works changed hands recently when the previous partners retired. This week the new owner, Brian, worked on one of our cars--a 2002 that we'd like to get a couple more years from--and we were thrilled with his work and service. Thumbs up! read more

The folks at Village Motor Werks are fantastic, knowledgeable and honest. What more can you ask for in a mechanic? I'd take my Porsche here if I had one. I'll take my VW there any time. read more

Best mechanics in the triangle, hands down. If you want your car fixed by honest, hardworking, not to mention hilarious, people, do yourself a favor and pay them a visit. I've been a client since 2007, and have hit the jackpot. They're good people. read more