mulberry Mendoza Auto Repair

Jesse Marte

★☆☆☆☆

7 months ago

On August 23, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., I went to Mendoza Auto Repair (353 Mulberry St, Newark, NJ) for an oil change. I brought my own oil and filter, so I asked for the price of labor only. The person who attended me said it would be $40, which already seemed high. I also asked how much if they provided the oil, and the answer was “depends on the oil.” I left it at that since my car really needed the service. When he pulled my vehicle inside and lifted it, I observed from about 50–75 feet away. Something felt very strange: I never saw the used engine oil drain into the container. I did see him place a tool on the drain plug, but no oil seemed to come out. He did remove and replace a filter, but I cannot confirm if it was a new one or the same old filter. At payment, he asked if I would use cash or card. I said cash, and he immediately gestured with his hands asking for the money directly. I gave him $40 and requested a receipt — his response was “No, we don’t give receipts when it’s just service.” That struck me as very suspicious. After leaving, all my alarms went off. I stopped across the street at McDonald’s, checked the oil dipstick, and the oil was extremely dark — far too dark to be brand new Mobil 1 synthetic oil after only crossing the street. At that moment, I strongly suspected I had been scammed. It felt like they took my new oil, maybe only changed the filter, reset the oil life monitor, and pocketed the cash. To be fair, I cannot prove this 100%, but I have done many oil changes in my life and I know that synthetic oil does not turn jet black after just a few minutes of idling. On top of that: 1.\tRefusing to give me a receipt when I paid cash is highly questionable. 2.\tThey never gave me back the leftover oil (my car does not use the full 5 quarts). 3.\tThe dark color of the oil immediately after the supposed change was alarming. I definitely do not recommend this shop. If you decide to go, at the very least pay with a credit card so you have proof of service. As for me, this was my first and last visit.

Guillermo Salas

★★★★★

7 months ago

This auto repair shop it's been my 2nd home when it comes to repairing my vehicles, wilmer the owner and his son david always very nice. prices for the job they do I'm very satisfi and I really recomend This place and everyone that has been there, I'm sure they feel the same way I do. Thank you MENDOZA AUTO REPAIR for taking good care of my cars

MARCUS BLACKWELL

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

Avoid This Shop at All Costs! I’m warning everyone – DO NOT take your car to this shop! I came here to fix my alternator, and three months later, I’m right back where I started. They had the nerve to charge me for a “new” alternator, but after doing some research, I found out they installed a used part and STILL charged me full price. Absolute scam. When I confronted the owner, he was nothing short of rude and dismissive. Not only did he fail to take any responsibility, but he was also completely unprofessional. He even missed the scheduled time to meet, wasting more of my time. This is a man who doesn’t care about his work or his customers. If you value your money, time, and sanity, stay far away from this place. This shop will rip you off without a second thought. Take your car anywhere else – you’ve been warned!