Google Reviews
Hannah Hayward
★★
☆☆☆
3 years ago
As a woman with no knowledge of cars, it's very daunting trying to find a local car mechanic that won't try to upcharge or scam you. After a coworker recommended this place and reading all the good reviews, I thought I would give you a try. I came to Carx for problems with my heating, my engine racing at cold start, and an oil change. Initially, the staff was very nice and communicated the issues and repairs for my car. I was told that my oil cooler pipes needed replacing and my car would be ready to be picked up the following day (Wed). I called that day and was told the pipes hadn't arrived and would be ready on Thursday. On Thursday, I was told the pipes would be delayed by two days. The shop seemed unsure when the pipes would be delivered. Instead, they had me thinking my car would be ready each of the following days. My car was at the shop for a total of 5 days. The staff was very apologetic on the phone, and I understand this delay was out of their control, but it was frustrating to be repeatedly told it would be ready the next day and be unexpectedly without my transportation for that extended time. Because I was without transportation unexpectedly, I had to Uber to and from work, which was an added, unforeseen, expense. When I initially asked for an estimate, I was told it would be around $1200 with a $100 discount (labor, oil change, oil cooler pipes and thermostat). When I picked up my car, the final cost was $1936, which is far above the amount I was told and expected. There was no transparency of this cost. When I called to understand more about the increased charge, the person I was in contact with had no recollection of telling me the $1200 estimate. Regardless, I was never informed of the repairs being $1936 until payment. The car works well but I was shocked at the final cost. I feel deceived. I reached out to the general "Contact Us" email and have not received a response. TLDR - Car in shop for 5 days unexpectedly, charged more than estimate without notice.
Matt Twombly
★★★★★
4 years ago
The manager Dave was professional, didn't try to screw me or sell me parts I didn't need. The price was cheaper than a quote I got at meineke by a lot. I waited in store and everything was done promptly, I wasn't waiting for hours like I have at other places even with an appointment.. great job car-x, I will definitely be returning in the future.
Genie Genie
★★★★★
3 years ago
These guys looked at my car within 24 hours of a winter storm when I slid my car into a snow pile, rendering my tire and wheel bearing useless. They also navigated my crazy insurance situation with great skill. I'll be using them moving forward for all auto repairs!! Dave and his team are competent and reliable. Can't thank them enough!!
Linda S.
★★★★★
3 years ago
I have long been a customer of Car X (West Madison, WI), and they treat me like family. They are honest, and do whatever it takes to make a situation right. Dave has been a mainstay there, and it is his excellent customer service that has kept me a loyal customer all these many years and several vehicles.
Shannon Heibler
★★★★★
5 years ago
The only reason Car-X isn't my regular mechanic is because I moved away. But when I couldn't get in near my house, they were my first call, even though it's no longer a convenient location for me. They are always accommodating, helpful and honest in my experience. Even when I was bringing them absolute heaps, they cared for me and my car like we had a million bucks and did whatever they could to keep my car safely running for as little as possible. Terrific service.
Dillon W
★★★★★
6 years ago
Two words, PHENOMENAL SERVICE. This business is by far one of the best that I have ever dealt with when in need of auto service. They are very polite, courteous, and also clearly involved with their customers on a personal level. The service is also top notch. My alignment was perfect. They came back into the waiting area to speak with me multiple times to ensure that I was getting exactly what I wanted. I'm upset that I cannot give this place a higher rating. 15/10 would recommend to anyone in need of auto service.
Madison Smith
★★★★★
3 years ago
This was my first time taking my car to Car-X. I decided to go there because other places in the area quoted me $200 just to diagnose, and Car-X said that it would be free unless there was electrical testing (which was still only $70, I think he said). My car was having issues starting. It would pop on randomly. When I called them, Justin recommended I get a new battery and try that first before even bringing it to them. I thought this really showed that they cared about me fixing the problem, even if they didn't get any money out of it. With my lack of car skills, I ended up not being able to get the battery in, but I did get the car started and over to Car-X. Dave broke it down for me. He explained that there was an issue with the battery cable and that would likely fix the issue. I was hesitant because that's not what I was expecting, and I was worried that once he fixed that, the not-starting issue would actually be caused by the starter (which was a possibility). They fixed the battery cable issue, and it turned out not to be the main problem. I was upset, both because of the cost of fixing two problems and because I wish they'd been able to rule out the starter issue before fixing the battery. Dave was patient in explaining why they couldn't rule out the starter early on (the car kept starting and apparently you can't do the testing unless it doesn't? My understanding anyway). Dave was nice enough to drop the labor charge for the battery fix. I was originally quoted $360 for that issue alone. I don't have a lot of extra money, so this made a huge difference and allowed me to fix the starter. I wouldn't have been able to afford the cost of both repairs, and I was really distraught over the idea of leaving with a car that still had the same main issue as when I dropped it off. Once the starter was fixed and I picked it up, Dave had the battery part out to show me what was wrong with it. Even though that wasn't the main cause of my car starting sporadically, it was something that would've needed to be fixed and he really thought it was the issue. I appreciate how patient they were with me trying to understand and figure out how to pay for everything. I really appreciate that he came down on the cost so much, because I wouldn't have been able to get my car running correctly again. When I went back to pick up the car, Dave was really friendly and had the battery part waiting so he could visually show me why they'd thought that was the main problem. This is something that made me much more comfortable, because I didn't understand the issue and felt weird when I questioned it. Him showing me and explaining reassured me that they weren't irritated by my attempt to understand. Some mechanics in the past have acted put-off by being questioned, but these guys were friendly and smiling when they showed me. I don't want to feel like I'm inconveniencing the mechanic, but I want an explanation that I can actually understand. My car did the absolute most to stress me out (like normal), but these guys were really helpful, knowledgeable, and compassionate. It wasn't their fault that the battery issue wasn't the main issue, but Dave ate the labor cost anyway so I could afford to leave with a working car.
Tim Lang
★★★★★
2 years ago
Quick service, installed four new tires in several hours. The waiting area could be spruced up a bit. Not even any tire advertising to look at. There was Weather on the TV though. They could use a bit more comfortable seating, coffee machine, a bit warmer when it's cold out. But that's how they can offer lower prices than the major garages.
Sherrie
★★★★★
a year ago
Have had oil change and scheduled alignment- but was charged only minimal amount. So far they have been easy, reasonable, knowledgeable, competent, pleasant and accessible in respect to getting car in soon.
One Love
★★
☆☆☆
2 years ago
I guess it’s just best to leave well enough alone! Wanted to give them another try since I was offered a free oil change to make up for the last experience and yet again a fail. Went for A/C service and left with a leak and still no cold air. Justin is a nice guy great customer service but I don’t think they really are capable of anything but oil changes and tires. Still don’t understand how a leak went undetected after recharge of system and the checks he claims was performed. I basically heard the leak myself and he confirmed it and gave me a bunch of explanations and nothing resolved. So, here I am out of almost $87 and still hot air. I don’t think I’ll be going back or would recommend them to anyone for anything but an oil change! Definitely need a refund as I definitely do not feel comfortable doing business with them again! Now, I have to pay extra and more $ to get someone that really knows what they’re doing at this point.
Chris Swick
★★★★★
2 years ago
Dave one of my favorites is the funniest guy, he’s very good at dealing with inpatient customers like myself haha! We’ve all been to auto shops, there busy and the people here deal with it professionally. Bryan one of the main mechanics took a look at my busted window before the freezing cold hit, turns out it needed multiple parts I had no idea they showed me and explained the reasonable, extremely helpful. If your kind & patient willing to work with workers I bet you’ll get a good price! We all know cars aren’t cheap & fixin them ain’t either.
Denise Mazzara
★★★★★
4 years ago
Excellent service and staff. Extremely honest and straightforward regarding services your car needs. I have been coming to this shop for years for oil changes and luckily that has been all that was needed until recently. My check engine light came on, they ran a diagnostic check and performed the necessary repairs. They always explain what is necessary and why. The mechanic, Justin, test drove the car after the repairs were done to make sure all was in good order and indicated he thought my steering coupler was faulty (which I hadn't noticed was an issue). He said I could check to see if that was covered under warranty. It was, the car manufacturer had extended the warranty for that particular part so I was able to get it fixed at a dealership for no charge. I was grateful for the advice and realize a shop not looking out for their customers could have easily recommended they perform the repair. Car-X definitely does business the correct way.
Shannon Preston
★★★★★
Edited 3 years ago
The establishment was very clean. The young man with whom I spoke with was friendly and easy to speak to. He was very honest with me concerning my car and I was comfortable with him doing the work on it. And may I say the work he did was wonderful my car runs better than the day I bought it and the price wasn't too much. I would recommend Car-X on Odana Road to all of my friends and family as well as anyone looking for honest and Reliable service at a fair price. David and the guys are doing a great job
C N (Skyagrey)
★★★★★
2 years ago
As a female, I have experienced some mechanics that have told me something was broken that wasn’t and I have been quoted crazy high repair costs. as if I am to dumb to even google the standard cost range for the repair in my area and what my car should be doing wrong/sound like, when in need of this repair. I am constantly impressed with the customer service at this CarX! I had a loud clunk when I hit a tiny bump or ice covered road…. Right away they saw the heat shield was wedged up in the wrong spot. I was quoted $30 to fix the heat shield that was stuck up inside the car. They fixed the broken shield and then kept trying to fix and find the clunking. They spent two hours tightening up bolts and checking the car over. They explained the problem and the cost. There was no pressure to get it fixed by them. I didn’t set up a time to get it fixed there. Despite not scheduling with them today, they still didn’t charge me for fixing the heat shield! I can’t even explain how much I appreciate not having to call someone out for being shady… I have never felt taken advantage of at this Car-X. Or even had to question the validity or price quote given to me. Definitely get your car fixed here. Especially, if you’re a female. I went home and called back and scheduled the repair.
Dave Armstrong
★★★★★
a year ago
They were amazing! They got me in immediately, They worked with me on price and services. And they did quick high quality work. I never felt pressured, they didn't try to scam me or drum up extra business and even gave me free labor on a part that needed to be replaced. It's hard to find honest mechanics and I am glad I did at Car-X.
Amanda Huff
★★★★★
a year ago
The staff here are all amazing and Brian is a fantastic mechanic! He made sure to show me what was going on with the car, different options that could fix it, and they helped me stay in my budget even if it wasn’t the “optimal” choice. As a woman, I was nervous about taking my car in because of past experiences of being talked down to, belittled, or taken advantage of because of the assumption that I would have less knowledge about my car. In NO WAY did I feel like that here. They were all amazing, got things done, and were straightforward with what fixes needed to happen without hiding anything. I will definitely be taking my car back again for any future issues.
Janice Gilgenbach
★★★★★
a year ago
Huge THANK YOU for your fast, efficient, and compassionate assistance this morning! I had driven an hour to Madison to watch my grandson play basketball and after 1 hour of driving, my tire pressure alarm suddenly came on. I was, of course, extremely worried about driving the hour back home with a potential tire problem since the last time this alarm came on I was stranded, needed to be towed and replaced all four tires. Car-X was near YMCA, so I just dropped in. Staff was very kind and were able to look at my car right away and get me safely back on the road in 30 minutes. I was still on time to my next errand of the day. I am so thankful! -- avoided a potentially dangerous, miserable event.
Kala Mckinley
★★★★★
3 months ago
Everyone is friendly, caring and HONEST! I can't say enough good things about them. The only shop I trust.
Terry Caple
★★★★★
Edited 7 months ago
Brian is highly recommended. From the beginning, professionalism and commitment to addressing the car's issues were evident. The diagnostic process was thorough, exceeding experiences at other shops. The problem was meticulously investigated, and the findings were clearly explained. It was clear that he understood the root cause of the issue. The willingness to go above and beyond Brian/Car-X apart. They provided a detailed estimate, transparently discussed repairs, and ensured everything was handled efficiently. The service exceeded expectations, demonstrating dedication to customer satisfaction. Brian was courteous, respectful, and knowledgeable. He provided updates and answered questions. For a professional, trustworthy mechanic with exceptionally thorough diagnostics, consider Brian/Car-X.
Alysha Mayo
★★★★★
9 months ago
Thank you Justin! Best car shop/mechanic experience of my life. Efficient, honest, and well priced! My husband, Dog, and I were in the middle of a 3 hour road trip today (Saturday) when we started hearing air/hissing during acceleration. The first 7 places we called near us couldn’t see us. Justin said to come and he would do his best and at least could look to try and diagnose. He test drove it as soon as we pulled in and had it fixed within an hour (blew an exhaust gasket). Also gave us some good pointers on what else might be needed after we get it home. Thank you Justin!
