I used to take my Chrysler minivan to Tom when he was at Lawrence and Ashland. Always got good service and an honest appraisal. When I bought a new Toyota Camry I started taking it to the dealer for oil changes and warranty work. Now that my car is no longer in warranty (I know that thanks to the daily phone calls I receive) I decided to find a local mechanic.
A friend recommended a different place. I called for an appointment and got an uncomfortable vibe. Then I remembered about Tom moving over to partner with the guys at AutoTech – and I’m glad I did.
Dropped my car off early on a weekday morning. No appointment. Tom was wrapping up with another customer – confirming that she would walk home but they would pick her up when her car work was complete. My perception of the setup is that Tom manages the appointments and customer interactions while providing guidance to the mechanics performing the services.
I asked for an oil change with synthetic oil – Tom told me they would also perform an inspection- because that’s what he does. I completed my form (no online reservations here) and left to get a Divvy bike for my morning commute.
Within two hours I got a call from Tom that my car was ready. He explained that the inspection showed that my car battery is a little low in charge and might need to be replaced within the next six months. My radiator hoses are getting old and should be replaced in the next two to three thousand miles. He also said that my engine is solid – and could last me to possibly 300,000 miles as long as I keep up with my oil changes. How refreshing to have an honest appraisal with my oil change. The last two oil changes performed by the dealer came with recommendations for immediate repairs to prevent future problems. One of these repairs was for my axle bearings – which Tom said were fine.
I’ll definitely keep coming back to AutoTech.
I had an oil change and a few maintenance items done at AutoTech. I am impressed with this place. The work was done in a timely manner and reasonably priced, but more than that, the team here is really attentive to one’s needs and concerns. The customer matters to them. A big shout-out to Carlos who is so kind and friendly. As just on example, he asked one of the mechanics to help me sort out a GPS issue, which I appreciated. I used to go directly to Acura and was reluctant about going to another shop. My experience here, however, wil keep me coming back. Highly recommend!
I went to AutoTech on a ‘what’s close with good reviews’ emergency basis and I am so glad I found them. They were so much faster than I expected, very polite and kind to an out-of-towner, honest, and were willing to explain anything I was curious about. Plus, I don’t know what they did exactly when they replaced the parts I needed, but my car is running even quieter/smoother than it was before. What really cinched it for me was the woman at the payment/keys counter. She stepped in for me when some guy behind me in line was being a bit of a creep and a jerk and made sure he moved on and didn’t bother me. I will be going back any time I’m in Chicago and need anything and telling friends who are in the area.
AutoTech is a solid neighborhood repair shop, which is co-located with the recently remodeled BP station at Foster and Broadway. I live in the neighborhood, and besides getting gas there, they do a great job of fixing my seemingly bi-monthly flat tires. They always do a quick, competent and inexpensive job.
Today, I had them servicing another slow leak, and they called and indicated that after checking the oil, it was black and asked if I wanted it changed. I asked them to check when it was last changed, and it was time. I confirmed that they had access to the correct parts, the car is an old low mileage Audi, and they said they did. I’m always leery of up selling, but I give them credit for asking. When I picked it up, after having them do the service, I confirmed that they used synthetic oil, and they replied “of course”.
It saved me a trip to my independent shop who does all of the mechanical work on the car, and trusting they did a good job I’ll consider giving them more routine business in the future.