Brake repair service near Minnetonka, MN

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE - DRIVER BEWARE. I own a 2002 Audi A6 Quattro - 161k miles on it. Sunday 4th of January as I was coming to a stoplight in Bloomington all of a sudden my car started running really bad, it felt like it was shaking under the hood, the engine light was flashing and something smelled like burning. So, I took it to South Imports in Bloomington, from a recommendation. I walked in on Monday the 5th of January and told them my car’s symptom. My car started shaking + the engine light flashing, car smelled like burning. I think it's the coil, can you check that for me please and replace the coils if it is? Then two days later said they didn't know what was wrong with it. Said they wanted to do a $380 diagnostic (me, figuring I had no other choice, said ok), then I didn't hear from them. Then they said they'd do a compression test (I didn't ask how much that would be, but should have). The next day. They said the compression checked out good. Still said they didn't know what was wrong with it. Then next 3 days (Thurs-Fri-Sat) I had work, so not sure if they tried to call but I was not available to call them. I talked to them like on Thurs or Fri and say, oh... "We see there is a burned up coil and we will test something just for fun." After $200+ in rental cars I really don't know what they mean by just for fun. Especially upset after I came in there with a burned up coil and I thought that was the problem *based on Google searches and the codes*. So they told me my timing was off… I had the timing belt replaced a few months ago. They replaced the coil, but I asked why they didn't check the coil first like I had asked them instead go into $610 in diagnostics and tell me I need to buy a new car because mine isn't worth anything and will cost more to fix it than what it's worth. I told them this didn't seem ethical to do all these tests without telling me upfront what they were doing and what the cost were and then taking this much time and every time I talked to them they seemed to not know what was going on. Told them I was considering contacting the Attorney General of MN about it and the owner was saying I don't care if you call the president of the US. Went to pay them and get my car and asked about the diagnostic and what it found. They said, “there’s tons wrong with your car, more than just the timing belt and the coil.” They showed me the burnt coil. They gave me a one page invoice that just said compression good, valves good. What about a full diagnostic report for the $610 less the $30 coil? So, I said, okay, then what will that cost to fix the timing? and why wasn't I able to have this choice to have it fixed as I had a rental car for a week and they had the "valve gasket covers off"? They said... "Oh so much money, thousands." I said I would like an estimate - they said $800 something (using the current parts). ... I asked what the numbers on the cylinders were they wouldn't even tell me said acceptable Audi standards... I called three other mechanics and then went to Nur Technik in Burnsville where a friendly owner ran the codes and looked at it and said if I wanted they could adjust timing $570 and use my parts.... Said I can drive it like that but I rather wouldn't and he said wouldn't suggest driving thousands more with it like that.... Anyway it's done, I just feel like they were rude and not upfront with me. I then called around, I even called a local Audi Dealership to get a quote on a diagnostic, mind you it was SIGNIFICANTLY less than what South Imports charged me. Plus they told me they look to find what’s wrong with it, the cheapest thing first. The Audi dealership quoted me: Coil: $130, diagnostic $130, compression test (which they usually wouldn’t do) $130. = $390. I just wanted my car to be fixed so I could continue driving it. I was without a car for nearly week when I brought mine into South Imports. Another thing that I find really odd, under "parts" on the invoice from South Imports it says $40 - Identifix - TECH LINE ASSISTANCE: Next to parts it says "identifix" gee guess that's the "just for fun" part? "In 1987, Identifix started out as an auto repair hotline offering live technical assistance to professional shop owners and technicians seeking a trusted second opinion and additional expertise on various vehicle issues. More than 4 million calls later, our Repair Hotline is still providing personal service to customers across North America with over 45 OE factory-trained, ASE Master, L1 Carline Specialists. These hotline interactions have enabled us to compile an exclusive database of short-cut tests and confirmed fixes which have been documented and made available in our award-winning online tool." After $610 I found out my compression was good. My timing belt off and “lots of other stuff wrong” with my car, oh and guess what, they gave me a new $30 coil. Here’s my invoice from South Imports: http://oi59.tinypic.com/2h7fkfc.jpg Anyway it's done, I just feel like they were rude and not upfront with me. Driver beware!

You guys screwed my car all up. I will not be going back and I have another appointment with a different shop to fix what you did to it. I feel you caused this and your shop is costing me a lot of extra money for something that wasn't wrong but now it is. And right around Christmas is this how you real operate. I so regret going in to your establishment. And won't ever go back. I just hope it can be fixed right. I will be turning you in to the BBB and a lawyer. Screwing people over is not right. I have heard nothing but bad things from people about your place you call a business. You should be ashamed of yourself.

The BP Fuels Guarantee is more than just a statement. In the unlikely event that you experience fuel system trouble due to the use of Amoco Ultimate®, BP Silver (mid-grade), BP Regular or BP Diesel®, we'll reimburse you for the repairs. Simply call us at 1-800-333-3991 to report the problem. You'll also need to provide your fuel receipt and mechanic's repair bill. We'll review your claim, and any BP fuel-related repairs will be reimbursed to you. We also offer top of the line auto repair services at the most competitive pricing.

A+ Service! Steve's Auto World MG started a Concierge service with my park n ride. I had them do an oil change. They picked my car up while I was at work. They texted me a detailed car report. Then they called to let me know I needed a tire rotation so I had them do that. I got back to the park n ride at the end of the day and there was my car in the same spot. The receipt was on my dash. They had washed my car AND vacuumed it out! I found a complimentary bottle of water and ice scraper in my cup holder. It is the little things that make a huge difference. I would certainly recommend Steve's Auto World! April T. Rogers, MN

This is the most dishonest mechanic around. If you are considering using them don't be fooled by their 5 star rating on their company page. They delete negative comments here and on facebook. They charge you for repairs that were never completed and then when you bring your car back, they charge you for more repairs. If you don't make the repairs they void the warranty. They have the worst customer service I have ever encountered.

Nick and the rest of the guys are great! I would recommend them to anyone in need of an honest and reliable auto shop! Jack Nordmeyer

I brought my car in for a brake job after a couple years of general negligence. I am just over 100k miles so it was no shock that they had many recommendations for additional repair other than brakes. They called before doing any work and explained in detail what was needed. I was able to decide what I wanted done and what I would like to postpone or do myself. When I advised what I would like them to skip doing, they didn't lecture me or question why I didn't want that particular service done. They were very patient. I felt that their prices were very fair. Much less expensive than chain shops. My total ended up being less than what was quoted as a particular job (replacing a seal) took less time than they had anticipated. Through personal experience, I know a lot of shops charge for the hours that is standard for a particular job regardless of the hours it ends up taking. I almost expect it at this point and was shocked that they were honest about the hours worked. I tend to avoid car repairs due to the fear of getting ripped off and generally dealing with poor business practices that are common with car repairs. I was so pleasantly surprised that this is not at all the case at Action Auto. I will absolutely be back and will likely take better care of my car because I feel comfortable with the staff and the business. Claire Byerly

I've had nothing but good experiences with Alexander's.

Be very careful when dealing with this shop. I was given a fair estimate for replacing my brake pads and rotors. Later that day they called and informed me that my calipers did not work properly and the amount they wanted for the repairs sky rocketed, The bill more then doubled their first estimate. After being told of this, I told them I was going to come pick up my vehicle and they tried to convince me it was unsafe to be on the road and my safety was at risk. After dealing with all this a brought my vehicle to another shop and found out they had damaged my front caliper and attempted to pass this off as existing problem instead of damage caused by them. I would not trust this shop with my vehicle again.

If you're looking for the best car care in Minneapolis, auto repair specialists Honest-1 Auto Care have you covered. We offer fast, friendly, and most of all, trustworthy service for your vehicle no matter what your issue. See what an Honest Mechanic can do for you! Our customers are our highest priority. You can expect top quality car care with a smile when you leave your car in our hands. Estimates are always free and we make honesty our policy, hence the name. We are always completely up-front about the needs of your vehicle. Enjoy a comfortable waiting area with free coffee and internet access and a play area for kids while you wait for your car to be ready. We don't only care about our customers, but we care a great deal about our environment, as well. We are the only certified eco-friendly car care company. We are ESA-certified and take great care to use practices and products that will not harm the earth. It's just one of the many values that we hold near and dear. So, drivers of Minneapolis, auto repair you can trust is just around the corner. You can rely on Honest-1 Auto Care for a great experience and top-quality work on your car. Drive in and see us today to see why we're your best choice for car care!