Midas

I’ve had no problems with place and Josh has been great to work with. (ETA: I have recently learned that Josh no longer works here. Bummer.) I may not be a mechanical expert but I know more about automotive systems than your average Joe and they know that about me, so maybe that’s why they haven’t tried to pull scams on me like other reviewers have claimed.
It also seems some don’t understand the business model that chain places like this operate under. If you need repairs, they have to buy parts from Midas’ captive parts supplier unless they’re not locally available. And yes, the markup on those parts is often ridiculous. But that’s a corporate policy, not a decision by the franchisee. If you need a significant repair done, you’re probably better off going to an independent shop that will shop around for parts or let you bring your own.

Just had my brakes done there last week. The guys did a great job, I believe a good deal money-​wise, and in good time. They were very friendly and accommodating. I know there have been management turnovers there, but the crew there now is very good. I wouldn’t hesitate to back there, which is the ultimate testimony.

Midas is definitely my go to place for all my car needs. I have dealt with the manager Josh before and he has always helped to make my life easier. Never impatient if I shop around for cheaper prices and is always very accommodating while I wait. Was just in a couple of weeks ago for a routine check and oil change and also had to have my water pump changed out. He gave me a great quote and I got my car back the same day! I highly recommend this place and my favorite manager!

Now I just got multiple messages from the «store manager» telling me that writing a review on Unilocal is «not how to resolve issues». (Uh…as if «talking» to them made a difference back then)
Ironically, that «manager», with the Unilocal handle «Joshua R» just wrote a Unilocal review of his own shop on 7÷18÷2015, rated his store 5 STARS and said «midas is awesome go there they do everything…»
How’s that for irony? Joshua R chides me for using Unilocal,but then posts his own bogus «positive» review of his shop as if he’s actually a customer. The people working at this shop certainly are ethically compromised.

I came here for a simple car project a few months ago. All seemed to be fine until I went to the dealership for a recall. The exact same project was in need of repair. The reason… They used the wrong paper to sand it causing it not to seal properly. When I called, even though there was a warranty, they were not willing to refund (or even credit) anything. For $ 200… The same project had to be redone twice… To fix their mistake. I can’t recommend a place who won’t stand behind their services.

The usual mechanic/​service center scams. Went in for an oil change and asked to look at rear suspension cause it was making a noise. Employee told me rear shock was blown and to replace both rear shocks. Thought «ok probably needed them cause it was about time», however he quoted me $ 660+. $ 200 for each shock and $ 100 for labor on each. Went online just before he told me price and found same part from the same manufacturer that he mentioned for $ 40 bucks each. Needless to say but didn’t care to haggle. So I went 100 yards down the road to Advanced Auto Parts, picked up the same parts and took them to a recommended mechanic who replaced them for me for $ 100 bucks total. So my tab went from $ 660+ to $ 180 and change just from doing a simple Google search.
Only good thing I can say is that at least they did my oil change at the desk they were offering.

I really wish I could give 0 stars or a negative. This shop is unprofessional and seem to thrive on ripping people off.
While sitting in their waiting room, I’ve heard several different cases of people arguing at the front desk over outrageous bills, unneeded and unauthorized work being done and the like. I realize that’s all speculation on my part… so here’s my story.
I’ve been to this place 3 times (never again). I went twice for oil changes and again for a tire repair & brake job.
Each time there were «labor» charges that did not match up with any hourly rate. I realize we all pay a flat fee, even if it takes them less time to complete the job… that’s ok. But, the labor costs often vary significantly from the price quote w/​o my authorization (it costs more & they didn’t ask first).
On the tire job, they quoted me a crazy price, so I called around. Between when I started calling around & when I got back to Midas (less than 30 min.) they said they had put the car on the lift, were working on the brakes & that I was paying for the job anyway. While I was talking to them about this, the guy was a complete jerk. He was arrogant and condescending & was ordering me to let them finish the job and pay full price. They also treat many of their customers (myself included) as idiots (not knowing anything about cars).
In short, a brake job and a battery cost well over $ 1000.00.
The only thing I can recommend is to read the other reviews. I would also strongly recommend going anywhere but this place. One things is certain… if you do visit them, you’ll never see me there.

Please avoid this place! I took my car in for a price quote for tires. First off, the price I was quoted was ridiculously high. After I mentioned that the quote was out of my price range, «Joe» stated he «made a mistake» and lowered the price a bit (it was still too much). So yeah, I was in a rush so I asked could I bring my vehicle back later for services. I paid in advance in an effort to make the process more efficient. After doing some research, I found a tire shop that would provide the same services at a much cheaper rate.

I called up Midas and asked for a refund. The store manager Josh first claimed that didn’t provide refunds, although he didn’t even seem entirely sure. I explained that I haven’t had any services done, that the only reason I paid in advance was to make the process more efficient. Josh then stated I would have to pay a 20% restocking fee. I asked why isn’t that policy stated on my receipt or ANYWHERE in their office. His response (voice dripping with doucheness) «uh well it’s our policy». Here’s the thing, I understand it’s a business and if that particular «policy» was on my receipt or in writing AT ALL, I would have accepted it. But it’s not! I asked him, «how can you enforce a policy without letting the consumer know anything about it»?
After going back and forth with Josh he mentioned his boss would be coming in later that day. I went up to their office to speak with «Moe», who first claimed to be the boss, then later stated he isn’t (They’re so fucking full of it).
Moe was so rude! I asked him where in writing does it indicated a 20 percent restocking fee for services that WERE NOT provided. He had the audacity to hand me a copy of the original receipt with my signature, on it he had HANDWRITTEN «a 20% restocking fee is required if customer change her mind». I laughed out loud at the nerve and ridiculousness. I have the exact copy of the receipt minus his post signature add on. I told him that he’s a fucking crook, not only is adding stipulations on a signed document without informing the consumer unethical, it’s illegal. He laughed.
I reached out to corporate and at this point I’m awaiting a follow up. Do not do business with these people. Never have I seen such blatant shadiest in a business setting in all my life.

This is an update to my previous review. The owner, Moe, just called me to «discuss» my bad experience. I originally had thought that a representative from corporate would be contacting me. once again, this guy showed just how full of himself he really is. He bragged about his 4 locations and how much money he makes. Apparently it’s my fault for not letting him do his job. He once again reminded me that one does not simply walk into a hospital and say fix what’s wrong with me. How odd because if I hobbled into a hospital and told them I had a broken foot, I’m pretty sure that they would know what needs to be fixed. *Personal note to Moe… I’m amazed that you have 4 stores. My guess is that you inherited them as opposed to opening them up on your own. I’m pretty sure that they all rate as low as this one does though. I’ve read other reviews and you’re a scam artist hiding behind a corporate name. Telling me that I should go elsewhere over the phone is advice you should give to all of your customers. And another thing, it’s unprofessional to call a customer saying you’d like to discuss a poor review only to excoriate them even further. You can bet I will warn everyone I know to stay away. Do NOT contact me again!

I am not happy. Theses guys here WILL try to rip you off. He tried to be little me because I did not want to do the repair that he «found» on my car. All of a suddenly a simple $ 45 dollar oil change turned into a nearly 2,000 dollar repair. All the things he said was wrong was incorrect. I took it to my dealership and they laughed. They told me there was NOTHING wrong with my car. I will never return to them again!

I came to this Midas to use a Groupon and have my oil changed (long past due)! When I came in, the guys were extremely helpful, even when my specific car posed a few problems. I needed a specific kind of oil not covered by the Groupon and a specific kind of windshield wipers (not stocked at their garage), so the guys took 10 bucks off my charge. They noticed my license plate sitting on the dashboard and asked to put it back on the car. They never made me feel stupid or tried to upcharge me. Great service!

To update my previous review, I want to make it known that after a little over a month the owner of this shop did finally reach out to me. He handled the situation that I was experiencing professionally, fairly and quickly. While it was quite a grueling ordeal during the entire process of getting a reimbursement from Midas they did ultimately com through.

I went in to have a simple diagnostic check done because my check engine light was on. After an hour waiting, they gave me a ridiculous estimate. When I let I noticed that my car was idling lower than it had on my way there, so when I got home I began to take a look under the hood. They had completely removed my air filter and not even replaced the housing the filter sits in. I went back to the store and received a sorry excuse of an apology that they had «taken the filter out to show me and forgot to mention it to me or put it back in the vehicle.» The filter was not even in need of being replaced as it was less than a month old!
Based on my experience I will definitely never be using these guys again, and I would highly suggest anyone who is considering using them to be extremely cautious at the very least. However, considering the many options we have in this area I wouldn’t waste my time.
I would give zero stars if possible!

I came in for an oil change and tire rotation special. First they did their inspection and said I needed a gasket on my engine for $ 750. «Did I want them to do it?» I said «no» I had that done at the dealer and it was fine and under warranty. My car was in the farthest bay and no other cars were being worked on. I watched as they did the oil change. Then they pulled the car out and I said you didn’t do the tire rotation. They said yes we did. «We are fast.» I took the car to the dealer the same day for them to inspect the gasket and nothing was wrong with it. Bottom line «they are FAST» if you get my drift. I would stay clear.

I have been here twice for basic maintenance & so far my experience has been positive. The staff is friendly and thorough, and does not push me to have additional work done.

My day off of work, luckily, and my wife calls from the parking lot across from this Midas location explaining that her car won’t start. I wasn’t too far away, and this is probably the only time in a year I have been glad we have two cars in the city (anyone want to buy one???) because I was able to drive right over and attempt to jump the car. I hooked up the cables, hopped into her car and gave the key a twist. Nothing.
After several adjustments and double-​checks, I realized this might a problem above my mechanical skill level, so I walked right across to the Midas to see if they could take a look. The guy at the counter was the typical, no-​bedside-​manner salesman, already talking about new battery prices and getting the car up on the lift. I pumped the brakes and just asked if one of them could take a look to see if there was something obvious I was missing (they weren’t busy). He reluctantly sent one of the mechanics across the street with me with one of those remote-​jump batteries, telling me there is a fee ($ 30) for the jump. I agree to it, hopeful that it will have a stronger charge and will do the trick. It doesn’t. They guy hooks it up, nothing happens, and he is stumped. Out of nowhere, after multiple failed attempts and having disconnected all of the jump cables, I give it one more try out of frustration, and it starts right up. It’s a Christmas Miracle.
The guy is confused and even says it wasn’t the jump that did it. Turns out the terminals of her battery were corroded, (an issue I fixed with a four dollar kit from Autozone later on) and just from he and I detaching and reattaching the cables so many times, it jarred them into place just right so the charge from her battery would get through on its own.
So, the guy just walks back across the street, and that’s that. Now I have a choice to make: My wife and I can leisurely drive away, never to be seen again by these guys, or I can pull across the street and pay the fee for the jump… that I really didn’t get. The childhood Boy Scout voice in my head told me the right thing to do was go talk to them and try to work out a reasonable middle-​ground fee for the services kind-​of, sort-​of, not-​really rendered.
Turns out I should have listened to the other voice: the hardened ex-​con who’s down on his luck and realizes that salesman mechanics like these would con the last nickel from their senile grandmother’s coin-​purse, given the opportunity.
Of course the guy wouldn’t budge on the fee, even though I explained they didn’t actually jump the car, and hinted that I could have easily just driven off, were it not for my willingness to be fair and offer some compensation for the mechanic’s time. Most of these glossy corporate mechanic shops are so slimy, it makes one yearn for the neighborhood shop where they treat you like they want your business long-​term. I guarantee this is the last of my money this shop will ever see.

I have brake work done at this Midas 2 times, and saved some money because of the warranty from the previous repair. I was treated well and the repair was done by the time they said it would be. I have a mechanic I go to for other repairs, but I would return to this Midas for brake repairs.

Came in for an oil change with a groupon. Asked the service writer to only change the oil and inspect the tie rods. He took the initiative and checked fluids, leaks, etc. When the car was done, took about 45minutes for a oil change, the service writer explained me a few things. Gave me some info and stuff that needed intention etc. Was way over priced. I was not surprised at all; after all that is how service writers get paid.
What got to me is the following. 1. I was told I needed new wiper blades, even though I changed the blades myself just a few months ago. 2. He said the tires had mid life, ⁶⁄₃₂ all around. I work at a tire shop myself, and two of the four tires are less than a month old. The other two have well over ⁸⁄₃₂ left. So with these two things in mind I wondered if the mechanic working on the car was actually doing a thorough inspection. It seemed as if the service writer was more concerned with getting sales rather than actually giving the car an honest inspection.
I will be returning, but only for the oil change, nothing else.

Hmmm… while I had a good experience with this shop at first, I was forced to reassess. Later when I went to check my oil I found my dip-​stick and the tube that connects it to the tank broken. I brought it back to the shop and while they weren’t exactly rude, they weren’t exactly nice about it, either. I told them flat out that there was no way anyone but them could have done the damage and they went ahead and fixed it for no charge, but weren’t super pleasant in the process. I will definitely be returning to Norm’s where they not only do good work, they also treat you well.

Dec 2008 I had a new window motor and starter installed here. Total cost about $ 825. June and august of 2010 my car is again not starting with the same symptoms as before so I know the problem is the starter. The life on a starter is much longer that 17 months although the warranty given to me for that part was only 1 year. I get my car towed to a Midas downtown and theyindeed confirm that the starter is the problem and mention that it looks like it is the factory original (on a 1999 vehicle) because it looks «ancient». They wanted to charge $ 420 to replace the starter at which I declined and said I’d return to the western ave Midas to confront them about the issue.
At the western ave Midas the manager was able to pull up the old service record and said that the starter was replaced in dec 2008. I told him that 2 other professionals at the other Midas both said it was impossible that the starter was newer. He was skeptical and said he could probably replace it at cost + labor which is totally unacceptable.
After looking at it, he called me back and said they found nothing wrong with the starter but would replace it FREE and only charge me labor. Why would they offer it to me for free unless they found out that in fact the old starter was never replaced properly in the first place?! It’s the equivalent of pleading the 5^th on their part. They saw that something was very wrong and did their best to cover up. They charged me 1.5 hours of labor, while the downtown Midas had quoted me an hour of labor to replace the part. SHADY. I will not be returning to Midas again.