Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop

I have been going here for years, bringing both cars for service here. And my cars run wonderfully. I have always gotten a dealer service quote first and then come here. They always have lower prices, same day service and tell me only what is needed. They have earned my trust as they have saved my lots of money over the years.

My GMC Jimmy was having issues while I was in central Illinois, so I took it to a family shop down there and was told that it needed a front right wheel hub and brake pads and rotors in the back. (My father was a mechanic there previously, so I knew I could trust their information). I took their estimate and then went to see Hussain at Merlin’s up here near home, without sharing the previous estimate and listed problems. Their mechanic test drove and checked my truck and found the same issues and even took me to look at the problems so I visually could see them. Hussain did an excellent job explaining the issues and my options. I knew I could trust him and that he was looking at it as though it was his own vehicle. (I also heard him tell a gentleman earlier that he could do the work the man thought needed to be done in his car, but he didn’t want to take his money for an issue that wasn’t really present!)
The Jimmy repairs were rather extensive and costly, but every part and cost was listed clearly on the quote sheet, so it was easy to understand. Hussain even worked with the cost to build in an oil change to his original quote, as well as a few other perks!
Merlin’s gave me a ride home and then after the work was complete, they picked me up to take me back to the shop.
Excellent customer service, very fair and clear prices, and my Jimmy and I are happy campers! Thank you, Hussain– Merlin’s has gained a loyal customer!

Going into Merlins seemed like a good idea for a quick oil change. The customer service was great and felt like I would be going there on a regular basis.
However, after my second oil change things turned around and one of the mechanics pointed out to change my Struts for a total of ~ $ 600. I took the quote and respectfully declined. A few days after that, things started to get messed up on my Transmission. I took it in again and they pointed out that they don’t do transmission work but know somebody who would. Red Flag!!!
I took it to my friend who looked at the fluid levels and pointed out that the transmission fluid was nearly empty and that was causing all the abnormal gear shifts and the solenoid needed to be replaced. Funny thing is that this has never happened before and I regularly check all the fluids every month.
Lessen Learned if you don’t take their offer to get a costly repair, things can get messed up.
A word of Advice to these guys; you can make a lot more money by being honest and providing a quality service rather than siphoning off a few hundred bucks.

…did I say 4 flats? I meant SIX flats in 2 years. These guys have taken care of 5 of ‘em, plus 2 wiper blade installs.
At least they jest with me! And today M. Simba hooked me up with a free oil change coupon because he felt bad for me.
Thanks again guys.

My son’s car had the dragging muffler and the whole bit. They were nice as could be here and did custom work to save him money. The owner, also went out of his way to explain what was wrong and what the options were. My kid has his car fixed within 2 hours and for an extremely reasonable amount of money!
I would also like to comment on a particular one star review which is highly offensive. I am disappointed that Unilocal would allow that bs online. Where’s your filter now Unilocal

The guys at this shop have been great! #1 reason is because they didn’t treat me like a «chick». It’s stereotypical but it happens way too much with this industry. I brought my car in for a muffler or exhaust issue and Scott (manager??) checked it out and told me what was wrong (exhaust pipe came apart). He told me what my options were. I checked it out w my mechanic friends who said his options were legit and the pricing was actually quite fair. Three days later I brought my car back because the motor for the windshield wipers stopped working. Hussein (sp??) was very helpful with that and after assessing the problem, told me the problem and what my options were. For those two times I’ve dealt with them, I was very pleased. They estimated an amount of time for each repair and they were very spot on with that — time issues are very important to me! Great overall customer service, the mechanics were knowledgeable, and they were all very efficient.
As much as I like them all, I really don’t want to have to see them again any time soon!

Trustworthy repair shop, truly feel like I can trust the diagnosis of problems and cofident with quality of repair work. Same Guys have been here for years, a testament to a well run organization.

Just moved to Glendale heights and needed an oil change. I read some good reviews for this place. I walked in around 1:15 and they close at 3 on Saturdays. Another man walked in right before me also wanting an oil change so when i asked for one he said there would be at 45 min wait. I asked to possibly schedule an appointment after work on Monday cause i didn’t want to wait. As i was about to drive away the clear came outside and said he talked to the manager and they will do the oil change now. It was amazing! I was able to get my oil changed and fluids topped! I was very happy with the service and all the men there seem really nice! I would go again!

The service provided at this shop was exceptional! We took our car here for a second estimate feeling the first one we got from a midas shop was very over priced and probably not all nessacery… but what do we know… we are not mechanics. The gentleman who took care of us at this Merlin shop (Hussein) was very thorough and complete in his inspection. He gave us different options to fix the problem with my car… some of it required more manual work but in return it would save us money on parts. Not only did he do a great job, but he saved us about half the amount of the original quote from the first shop.
I value great customer service and now adays it’s an added plus when you get a trustworthy person doing the job for you. I will surely go back for any further repairs and do highly recommend his shop.
Additional note… he and his staff stayed past closing time to ensure our car would be ready. We had mentioned in conversation that the car would be driven by my son who attends college in Iowa. They got the job done and with a smile… now that’s service.

I’ve been taking my car here for a few years, mostly for the simple stuff. They seem to be honest, and usually pretty quick with their services for a reasonable price. Maybe not the cheapest around, but certainly much better priced than a dealer often is.

Quick & low cost maintenance services.
Got my work done for less than others quoted & they used quality parts.
Wish they had free coffee.