Madison Automotive

Kylie B

★★★★★

a year ago

I've been in multiple times for a variety of work from simple to complex. Jim and Spud are enormously helpful and patient, service is prompt and effective, and most importantly they're honest and reliable. They're always upfront about issues they see and what needs to be addressed now, but avoid upselling services and parts that can wait.

Morgan Codron

★★★★★

a year ago

Always ask for a cost estimate. If they can’t give you one, wait for one. They didn’t give me one when I asked and then I got charged over 100$ for a headlight bulb change. Leaving 5 stars because in case they are in need of the money and business for their families 🙏 and my fault for not waiting.

Ben McGann

★★★★★

a year ago

I recently bought an older used work truck and of course it started acting funny in a couple months. I brought it to two other shops both had separate ideas after trying to diagnose the issue. Neither had any confidence on what was the root problem. I wanted one more option so I stopped and talked to Jim at Madison automotive. He actually took the time to talk with me in detail about and I could tell he had a better understanding and more confidence what he recommended. They fixed the issue with the right parts but something need more digging into. Well him and a tech spent extra time and found and aftermarket electrical module wired in, in some kind of a suspect repair done to the vehicle before I owned it. It's nice to know these people have integrity with their work and a community stewardship approach do their business. Thanks guys!!

Marshall Gavros

★★★★★

a year ago

Great people and from what I've seen honest small buisness owner I've been going here for years. They helped me out with my first car i ownd back in like 2016 and have always been honest and straight to the point to adress any issues. I recently moved back into town and saw they were still there and I've had the same expeirence. Will recommend them to my friends and family.

Michael Cook

★★★★★

2 years ago

Best shop around by far! These are salt of the earth midwestern guys who are exceptionally friendly, fair, and honest! If i ever move out of North Portland i will continue to use them for as long as they're around. I've had my car in their shop about a half dozen times and have always walked away feeling like I made the right choice. My car always runs better and the price is always equitable. HIGHLY recommend!!

Camellia Meyers-Trigg

★★★★★

3 years ago

I took my car into have looked at for some repairs and I felt Jim provided excellent and honest opinions on the problems my car had. Even though the best option for me was to not have it worked on due to the problems being too extensive, because too many hands working on it previous to me taking it there Jim didn't charge me anything for the time spent checking my car out. It's not too often people are as upstanding and honest as Jim was. I appreciated it immensely and if I ever need mechanical services in the future, I would hands down chose Madison auto before anyone else. They were highly recommended to me and I'm extending the recommendation as well. Thank you Madison Auto. 😊

Jason Whittaker

★☆☆☆☆

Edited 8 months ago

Avoid if possible! Will charge $150 for computer reading (free at O'Reillys) but will not physically look at vehicle. Took our van in to get an oil change and also get some front end work done (tie rod ends). Was originally quoted approximately $675 for the front end work. They came back and informed us it would be $925. Then they said the check engine light came on, it was a misfiring cylinder. The misfiring cylinder was the #8 and they replaced the spark plug. Then they said the #4 was misfiring. Went to fix it, called and said they were having difficulty with it and asked for more time, then called and said it was rusted on and then broke it off into the engine. We were then told we can replace the cylinder at a cost of approximately $3.5k (and with quoted 50/50 risk to further compromise the engine) or replace the engine for approximately $4.7k potentially have up to a 90 day guarantee on the engine. Also, could purchase a new engine for quoted cost of approximately $6k (labor may not be included in that cost). At no time was the risk (possible engine/head gasket replacement) associated to removing the "damaged" #4 cylinder communicated to us. After the technician failed to properly remove the head gasket they informed us that the only remedies are to replace the head gasket / cylinder or have the whole engine replaced. Ended up taking the van to another local automotive technician and they repaired the engine for less than $300. Madison Automotive actively looked to take advantage of us or they are incompetent in their work.

L. John Bird

★★★★★

a year ago

Been taking my cars here for a couple of years. Recently had to get a rush brake job at a chain when out of town and was told I had a ton of issues including cracked CV boots and it was going to cost $4k plus. Came here and was told the truth- after a serious inspection, no major issues. Customer for life.

Tuf Ti

★★★★★

5 years ago

Car died in the middle of an intersection bout noon and called Madison because I'd had some good experiences with them before. They told me bout a cheap, fast, reliable and local tow guy that had my car down to Madison in less than a half hour. I left my car and they told me they'd call when they'd had time to look at it. Bout 3 pm I received a call from Madison telling me that the problem was to the alternator and battery that I'd had them install two years prior on some routine maintenance. They had already taken the initiative, looked into and confirmed the warranties on both alternator and battery and replaced them. No charge to me. It was ready to be picked up if I needed it now. While they were replacing parts they had done a check of the rest of the car and found that the front breaks were wearing thin and asked if I'd like em replaced. They told me they had already checked and had the break pads in stock and could have them replaced by 5 pm and quoted a very reasonable price. I said yes. Bout 430 I received another call saying the car was ready. When I picked it up there was relaxed conversation with no surprises. Madison is a just a no BS bunch of folks that fix what needs fixed efficiently and within the time and price they say. They've won my loyalty for all my automotive needs.

Eric Nelson

★★★★★

8 years ago

Good price, very communicative, and high quality work. I've brought my van in for what I told them was probably going to be expensive, but they showed me it was actually an inexpensive fix. I view that experience as a crossroads where a less-honest person would have ripped me off, but they chose to do right by their customers and reap the long-term rewards. I have a hard time finding mechanics that I consider honest, but this time I've hit the jackpot. Thanks Madison for being straight shooters!!!

Andy Jenkins

★★★★★

3 years ago

I couldn't ask for anything more from a mechanic! I live in the neighborhood and have used Madison Auto multiple times for my Rav4. Jim and his team always patiently answer my questions to ensure I thoroughly understand the proposed remedy. They don't use scare tactics or pressure for upselling. Multiple times I've left the shop paying nothing if they determine it's a low urgency item. The work they have done has been reliable and solved my mechanical issue. As the owner Jim also cares about his local community. Highly recommend.

Daniel Luce

★★★★★

5 years ago

These guys have kept my 2003 Honda Element running like a champ for over 300k miles now, through several “near death” moments where I thought my car was done for, and always quick and reasonably priced. Also, the one time that a problem reoccurred, they squeezed me immediately in during a busy holiday time to make it right, free of charge. Love the laid back garage atmosphere, and that you can tell Jim and his crew are passionate mechanics intent on doing good business for the community.

Jason Penrod

★★★★★

8 years ago

Hands down the most trustworthy auto repair shop I've ever visited. I first visited them after another repair shop quoted me an outrageous price for a brake line replacement, I called around and Madison was several hundred dollars cheaper. I paid to have my car towed from the first place to Madison and it was a great decision. Since then my wife and I have been back two more times for other repairs and have had great success! I won't be taking my cars anywhere else. Thank you!

crae ford83

★★★★★

6 years ago

Went for an oil change and overall inspection. They wanted an appointment for the next day but I couldn't, they took me in anyways! ( I had the whole day off btw) They recommended a part being fixed with no pressure but I had them do it anyways due to noise and safety concerns. They had it done by the end of the day, and after asking them they recommended a few other little things that could be fixed in the future, but again no pressure. Best mechanic experience I've had! Thanks guys will be back

Matthew c

★★★★★

8 years ago

Jim and Spud were very friendly and helpful. They assisted me with a car that I could not put a lot of money into and did a great job. They even gave me three things to try before I brought it in that might have fixed without their help. These guys know what they are doing and are pleasant to work with. Thanks So Much!!!

Casey Carpenter

★★★★★

2 years ago

I am blown away by how great this experience was! Jim made it so easy, and the repairs were done in a very timely manner. I was communicated with at every step, and never felt pressured into doing more work.

K G

★★★★★

8 years ago

Great service for regular schedule maintenance on my Mazda 6. Jim, class act guy who got me in mid to late afternoon which I appreciate it very much. As we all have rough days like Jim did on this day. I hope, I help shine a positive light with my business. I'll be back especially with Jim's handshake after bringing my car up front. Thanks