Skiles Automotive Service - South Bend

Tori Dudeck

★☆☆☆☆

5 months ago

Basically they scared me away. I won't be back. I came to them previously for a light bulb installation and was very happy with the service and since I couldn't get into my main mechanic right away I decided to take it into SkiIes South bend. First impressions, the staff was very nice and the waiting room was stocked with pop and snacks etc. I was waiting in the lobby with another woman and we started to chat as we waited... She was just a single mother driving an older vehicle just like me and simply just trying to get by day to day . She admitted she had never been there before but decided to give it a try since they were one of the only places that could get her in. She was called up to the desk first and because the lobby is so small I could hear what they were telling her....I felt sorry for her because the list they gave her seemed long, unexpected, and very pricey. I could tell she was very surprised and overwhelmed by the outcome and could not get any of this fixed due to the price of the repair. She went on her way but I felt sorry for her because I know she didn't expect this. ....Anyway it was my turn to be called..... Originally I came in because my car started to get louder and louder with each day and it seemed to chug a bit when I would come to a stop. I was bracing myself after witnessing what the other woman went through. I knew I was already in it for the price of the diagnostic machine which I believe was $125... I guess I needed to have to pay that in order to find out what was wrong with the vehicle. When I walked up to the desk they spit off four or five things that they found wrong with my vehicle. Instantly I was annoyed because none of those things had anything to do with my vehicle being loud. When I tallied it all up in my head they gave me a list of repairs that would cost me over $3,000 to fix... Sure, maybe these things were needed to be fixed in time but I came in because my vehicle was loud I did not come in to get my windshield wipers replaced, new tires, new air filter and spark plugs etc I drive less than 5,000 mi a year... I knew I wasn't due for an oil change for another 3 months and I use my vehicle simply for work and back and I happen to live about 5 mi from work not to mention I maintain my vehicle with oil changes and everything needed to keep it on the road. It seems as if skiles digs super deep into your vehicle to find anything and everything wrong with it then tosses you a bill with a smile :-) in the end I left after paying the diagnostic fee and waited a few days until my regular mechanic could get me in. After seeing my mechanic he found that I have an exhaust leak that is now repaired... $120 later my car is quiet again and I'm back on the road. And I learned a really valuable lesson. To never be fooled by the fancy sign, snacks in the waiting room and the fact that they can get you in right away.......id rather wait a day or two to have a good old mechanic like the one I have take care of my vehicle needs.. He has kept my vehicle on the road for the last 10 years and I know he will continue to keep it on the road for as long as he can .

Bee Estabrook

★★★★★

3 months ago

Traveling home from Chicago, we suddenly heard a scraping noise underneath our car. We stopped at a gas station to assess the situation and saw that there was a big piece of black plastic that had been pulled away from the frame and was scraping on the ground. We called around to four nearby auto shops and Skiles Automotive was the first one to express their sympathy for our situation and immediately offered to squeeze us in despite their full schedule. We arrived expecting a wait but they immediately got our car into the garage and within 10 minutes gave us their assessment and recommended action. They told us we would be safe to drive home and just needed to take the plastic part off and replace it later. The folks at Skiles were incredibly professional, kind, and helpful - they made a difficult situation much easier to manage. I have them starred on Google Maps for the future, just in case I ever need service in South Bend.

Arustak

★★★★★

5 months ago

My 2020 Hyundai Elantra broke down after I was procrastinating on a transmission flush. They towed the vehicle for free to their shop and fixed the car in just a few weeks. The car drives better than I've ever had it. They also have great communication and value getting the job done right the first time. Highly recommend!

Michael Payne

★★★★★

3 months ago

I needed air in my tires. The gas stations on the corners had horrible air compressors. I came here and explained my situation to the team. They got me in and out with air in my tires, and got me back on the road! NASCAR PIT CREW TIME. Haha! They are genuine and awesome people, a great time! 5/5 stars for me! In a time in need, Skiles was there! Thank you all for your help!

Josh Geschwender

★★★★★

4 months ago

They got me in with my Suburban instantly, before the Chevy dealer could. When I got my truck back it was in Tip-Top shape!! I had a lot of services done on my truck. They even gave me a loaner vehicle to drive. EXCELLENT SERVICE. I will be going back if and when needed.

Katie Mattiford

★★★★★

2 months ago

Great work done! I was not pressured to get the other services that were suggested to be done like at other places I have gone. Very reasonable pricing! Definitely will be back!

Emily Sharp

★★★★★

4 months ago

They were very friendly and got my car taken care of quickly. The cost was fair. Even though I only had them fix up my brakes, they gave me a detailed breakdown of what it would cost to fix every other issue they found which I definitely appreciated. They also offered pictures of problems. Good experience!

Matthew Couture

★★★★★

2 months ago

I got in an accident and had to pull off IN Tollway, not knowing a thing about who could help me in South Bend, not being from there an all. I managed to pull over to first auto place I could find, Skiles Automotive. They could not have been more kind and helpful! I was quite shaken by the accident (several vehicles in white out that shut down Tollway for three hours), and they were so thoughtful and considerate. Andrew, the Service Advisor, was especially so. He even gave me a ride to the car rental, not even being asked. Skiles was the very definition of service! It was a very difficult day, but they were lights in the storm, literally!

Matthew Schoen

★★★★★

2 months ago

This was my first visit to Skiles and I will 100% be coming back for any other work I need done in the future. Clean, quiet waiting room. Team members gave me regular updates on the status of my oil change while I waited, and the comprehensive list of everything else they went over afterward was the most thorough I've recieved. Phenomenal first experience.

Robert Schulz

★★★★★

a month ago

Our car's check engine light went on during a road trip. A google search showed the closest repair shop was Skiles in South Bend. It also showed good reviews. We arrived in distress. Andrew Rodecki received us graciously, checked our car out, explained the problem clearly and got us back on the road. They actually contacted later to be sure the car got us home well. This kind of excellent customer service is greatly appreciated.

Annamarie Kovalenko

★★★★★

3 months ago

I first went to Belle Tire to put air in my tires, there was a huge line and the parking lot was a mess! I stopped here at Skiles to see if they could do it for me and was super impressed by how friendly and fast it was! They put air in my tires and filled up my washer fluid and had my car waiting at the door. Their waiting area is super nice and they have complimentary snacks and drinks. The woman at the front desk was so nice. This was my second time here and I will definitely be back!

Steve Murray

★★★★★

2 months ago

I have been a customer of Skiles for a bit now. Started when they were in LaPaz and then in Bremen and now on the south side of South Bend. Many locations but always the same caring service. Always treated like I was their grandpa. Keeping my vehicle safe and secure. As an overly mature country gentleman I feel in good hands. That means alot. Thanks.

jesse r

★☆☆☆☆

2 weeks ago

CLIENT BEWARE!!!!! We bought our vehicle and drove it for 3500 miles. Not one drop of oil leaked. We took our vehicle in, suddenly, the oil drain plug is stripped and they say it was like that. Now it won't stop leaking. I am 100 percent convinced they damaged it. No way to prove it. Now I'm stuck with a $2000 repair job. DO NOT TAKE IT TO THEM!!!

Josh Gonia

★★★★★

a month ago

After Midas gave my appointment away to walk ins and told me to go 30 miles down the road to another store, I called up Skiles Automotive. They got me scheduled same day, in and out and were cheaper, much more friendly/inviting and the customer waiting area was clean and stocked with snacks and drinks. They just gained a new loyal customer!

Angela Hileman

★★★★★

a month ago

Absolutely hands down the best service I have ever had, anywhere! They explained everything and showed me what was happening to my car while it was on the rack. They did not over charge for the repairs. In fact the repairs were lower than they first thought due to finding out that what they first was the issue wasn't actually it. They also allowed me to use a courtesy vehicle while mine was being repaired due to the length that it was going to take. This was wonderful as we only have 1 vehicle. Communication was their top priority along with customer service. I 100% recommend Skiles to everyone. Take your business here.

Jenny Lesher

★★★★★

a month ago

I had a great experience at skiles automotive. They were there for me and my family and letting us borrow a vehicle until I could figure out if I was gonna repair mine or not in order to get my family where they needed to be they were very courteous, professional, and understanding, I appreciate their professional experience on inspecting a vehicle thoroughly that’s in need of repair the hospitality of the young man who works at the front counter is overwhelmingly something you don’t see every day. He was very informative, honest and almost you felt a presence of being welcomed as I entered the building. I knew that my car was in good hands. I will definitely use them again. And I highly recommend their business for anyone in my family

Kenneth Hager

★★★★★

a month ago

This was my first visit to skiles. Very very pleased. They had a loaner car for me which I didn't even need they did the work so fast I thought I needed to go work. People behind the desk real nice keep you informed of what they're doing before they do it. Prices for reasonable. Even after the service was done and I paid I accidentally missed a dialed him back. And he called back right away. What great service. And they changed and put on new wipers for me.