Linnett’s Gulf Service

Don’t even think about it. This place is all about a rip off. I live in the Fairmount area, so I drove my car there because it lacked power. They checked it out and told me it needed a catalytic converter, but they would have to replace the whole exhaust system, at a cost of $ 3000.00. I said just replace the converter, he said the whole system had to be replaced. I did not want to argue with him, but that year Cadillac the whole system is made of stainless, so it is life time, except for the converter. Paid him fee of $ 100.00. Drove the car to a shop on Hunting park Ave. He said it needed a new converter, $ 500.00. The car runs great now.

I dropped of 2012 Subaru Impreza with 33000mikes yesterday for inspection. They called backed and suggested over
$ 1600 in work including new tires, rear rotors and pads, new battery, and more. They wouldn’t pass without tires, rotors etc. so I had that work done ($ 1200) including rotors and pads for $ 400. The next day I picked up car and called Subaru who was skeptical that I’d need new rotors among other things on list. They offered to measure my rotors. I then called Linnettes and they told me the scrap had already been picked up and the rotors were gone. In addition, the new tires looked a bit worn as there were no rubber nubs present on tread. But they assured me they were new. Subaru also estimated $ 269 dollars for brakes and rotor refinish as they rarely have to replace rotors at 33 000. Well, I don’t know if this is fraud, but I’m not going back.

Do not go here unless you want to experience inspection fraud. I should have just gone to my regular body shop but it’s out of the way, so I came here, down the street from where I live. AAA approved, so I figured it was fine. I dropped my car off around 4:00 PM yesterday for inspection and received a phone call this morning at 9:30 AM to «talk about my car.» I was told it had failed inspection because I needed to replace my rear tires, and was then told that my drive belt was «dry.» I had my drive belt replaced less than a year ago at my dealership. I had a rear tire plugged at my regular body shop a week ago and they did not mention any problems with the tires. I was quoted $ 500 for the two rear tires to be replaced. After confirming that my car DID NOT PASS the inspection, and this was necessary to pass, obviously I was skeptical, so I called my regular shop for a quote on tires, and it was much lower than $ 500. Additionally, the drive belt replacement was quoted at almost $ 300, which is insane. I called back and said I’d come get my car and have it inspected at AAA in South Philly, since I did not believe that my car had actually failed (in line with several other reviews here). As soon as I said this, Anthony (same person I’d spoken with before) told me he would have my inspection sticker ready in 20 minutes and I’d passed. Pretty sure he knew I’d be back with the cops if it passed at AAA. This is 100% illegal and fraudulent and has been reported to AAA. I’d encourage anyone who experiences this to get their «failed» results in writing and address it with the police. He even had the nerve to continue to try to get me to do my tires when I went to pick up my car. From now on I will only be dealing with my TRUSTED auto shop.

I went in for an estimate. They charged me $ 100.00. I told some of my co-​workers and they told me that they never got charged for an estimate. Not sure if its a new policy if not that I am pretty sure that is illegal to charge some people and not others.
Besides that, I found the manager Anthony to be rude and full of attitude. I only asked him a question or two and he didn’t want to be helpful or answer them. I asked specifically asked him to print out an estimate for one rotar and caliper that needed to be submitted for an insurance claim but he did an estimate for two even though I only needed it for one side. I asked him for this once in person and once over the phone I walked in for my estimate and he of course printed out the estimate for both. When i asked him to print out what I requested he said that the insurance company could do the math and gave me the biggest attitude.
These people don’t care about their customers they obviously in it for the money. I cant comment on their work but their ethics and customer service could use some work!

I was completely taken advantage of. Brought my 2005 Prius a few weeks ago for 95k servicing, no problems with the car. Just moved to Philly so didn’t know which mechanic to use, found this place on Unilocal because it is AAA rated so I brought the car here. Anthony called in the morning me that there were some issues so I had them do most of it (all but the front struts). However only after getting my bill did I see I was ridiculously overcharged. $ 109 for brake fluid exchange, $ 109 for coolant exchange, $ 100 for labor for spark plug exchange, $ 80 for 4 spark plugs, $ 300 for rear brake drum, shoe, hardware, and $ 200 for labor for the rear breaks. This seemed high across the board so I took the receipt to another mechanic down the street — he said I was charged double what he charges. He couldn’t believe how much I was charged for spark plugs and the labor. Wow. Obviously there is variation in prices between mechanics, but charging double? So reprehensible. Terrible business practice, obviously Anthony and Evan’s Gulf will take total advantage of anyone who brings a car to there door. I see similar reviews on Unilocal that I wished I’d paid attention to — most notably 9÷25÷15 by Joanne, so clearly this is not an isolated incident. Do not, I repeat do not take your car here — there are plenty of honest mechanics just a few miles away.

Have not had to get my car serviced here, but if you want gas that’s 40 – 50 cents higher than everyplace else in the city, stop in here.

Stopped in because tire was losing air. They took me immediately. Tire checked out They kept working at it and ultimately diagnosed a hairline crack in the wheel, causing the tire to lose air. They inflated the tire so that I could get to the dealership to replace the wheel. They did not charge me because they felt they were not able to fix my problem. Great service. Big props!

I stopped by 2 weeks ago to get air in my tires. The mechanic accidentally cracked one of my sensors which led to a flat tire and my car being towed 10 minutes after leaving. The worst part of the experience was the horribly rude and unprofessional manager, Anthony (who said he was the son of the owner). He wouldn’t give me his last name. He wouldn’t even listen to what I was asking on the phone and said I probably went over a pothole and that there it was a coincidence that I just saw a maintenance person there who worked on the same tire that went flat 5 minutes after I left which I later found out from Pep Boys that it was cracked by someone who pushed on it too hard. Sigh. I’m not going to take them to court over one tire but the manager Anthony’s professionalism lacked. Good thing for nepotism or he would be out of a job! Be careful of poor customer service coming from their manager, Anthony. The mechanic was nice. The manager, not so much.

Helped me out of a jam… was $ 27 a bit much for a tire plug, absolutely. But every other garage was full due to state inspections. These guys took me in and I was out in 10 minutes they did it with a smile and certainly don’t deserve the terrible ratings they have been getting. Would definitely go back.

Pretty confused by the negative reviews. Anthony, the new service manager, was exceptional to say the least. He explained everything in depth and worked with my budget. I was in and out in the timeframe provided, will return and would recommend!

Great if you want to pay $ 27.00 to plug a simple hole in a tire… and to make matters worse didn’t even add any air to the tire since my low tire light came on as I left the service station, I will never, ever, ever go here again for service, heck after that I’m not even going there for gas again I don’t even care if it is a block away… guess I should have asked how much prior to allowing them to plug the tire… never paid more than $ 10 before for this kind of service… can you say rip off

I took my car in a few weeks ago for annual inspection, oil change, and a few other minor repairs. Dropped it off in the morning (no appt necessary), got a call a few hours later to say it was ready and the price was VERY reasonable. It’s an older car and I used to take it to the dealer for inspections — never got out of there without it needing a million things and costing $ 1000. I dealt with several staff members and each one was pleasant and polite. I will definitely take it back to Linnett’s in the future.

Worst customer service ever!!! Who doesn’t take back a fully sealed unused synthetic oil purchased less than 24hrs before? Done that before with NAPA auto with no issues. NAPA goes out of their way to help their customers. This was pretty bad service. Their gas prices are always inflated as well. Recommend not going there.

I lived in Fairmount for years. Evan the owner, and his old management, always took great care of me and I was a loyal customer even after I moved. The new manager however had lost their customer service attitude, my trust, and most importantly, my continued business.
He decided to nickel and dime me for the simplest of tasks previously waived, while completely overlooking valid revenue suggestions I would have been happy to pay for to avoid a second trip like reminding me I was due for an oil change.
They then had the audacity to charge me $ 50 to diagnose a problem I didn’t need diagnosing. Because they had already done it a year before. And, refused to take it off my bill. I hope it was worth the loss of my business.

I too am confused by the negative reviews for this place. The staff was quick. I told them I needed an inspection and he said whats your phone number we will call you in a couple hours. A couple hours later, I received a call and walked down for my car. The price was exactly what he stated on the phone.
There may have been a change in management or personnel since the last reviews, but I trust these guys and I will be back.
Try them out. My experience was pleasant.

I got a Unilocal deal for an inspection and the guy made me printout the Unilocal deal (25 percent off or something). I went to fedex, printed the coupon, and he still didn’t take it. Said some thing is wrong. I was just too tired and said take my money and give me my car. The guy talks like he owns the world and you are a minion working for you. Good luck!

I took my car here for an inspection last year and they replaced my front brakes. This year I took it again and they wanted to charge me $ 1100 for a new exhaust system. I then took my car to another shop recommended to me through a friend and it turns out Linnett’s lied. I’m not surprised. Not only did I not need an entire new exhaust system but they put my brakes on in such a way that it caused damage to my car. Funny how they didn’t mention I needed brakes too. Oh and forget talking to the guy who works nights. He can barely speak English and is incredibly rude. Maybe the front desk guy should at least be able to talk to the customers? If you want to be taken advantage of, take your car here!

I was confused when I saw the negative reviews of this place. My wife and I live in Fairmount and have used LG’s for inspections, tire repair, and in the most recent case, had one of our cars towed to the location for a diagnostic review. The prices are fair (we’ve tried other location in the area for similar service) and everyone treated us with respect. Based on my experiences, I have every reason to continue using them in the future.
One more thing: they are prompt. The contact you immediately and they get your car completed and back on the road in a short period of time.

I would recommend you stay away. Just like many of the other reviews on Unilocal,we were gouged on an inspection. Your car won’t pass unless… What a convenient way to get business. Also, incredibly poor customer service! Apparently, it is not ok to ask how or why repairs need to be made.
Finally, if you are eligible for an emissions exemption, they charge you the same fee as a regular emissions inspection. Despite this, they don’t have the required state fee schedule posted.

My husband and I have bringing our cars to Linnett’s for oil changes/​state inspections for the past 3 years. To be honest I couldn’t tell you if we were receiving good oil changes or not, but we have been passing our inspections and our cars have been running fine. They have always serviced our cars in the time they quoted us and we’ve never had any issues. We’ve only dealt with friendly, polite people. I’m not an expert with cars by any means, but I’ve been happy with the job they’ve done.