Auto Care Inc.

(43 reviews)

Auto Repair Stations Minnesota Hennepin County Minneapolis Nokomis South 34th Avenue

Hennepin County . Minnesota

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Location
Reviews

+1 612-721-6624
5000 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA

Operating Hours

Business hours are not available at the moment

Auto Care Inc. Introduce

Welcome to Auto Care Inc., an Auto Repair Station located at 5000 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA. Operating within the platform category of Auto Repair Stations, Auto Care Inc. aims to provide automotive repair and maintenance services to local users in the Minneapolis area. You can reach them at (612) 721-6624 or via mobile at +1 612-721-6624 to inquire about their services.

Based on the available customer reviews, experiences with Auto Care Inc. appear to be varied. One customer brought their vehicle in for a transmission issue that their dealership had been unable to resolve after three visits. This customer reported a positive outcome, stating that Dale at Auto Care Inc. successfully repaired the transmission after having the car for a few weeks. They appreciated Dale's upfront communication regarding the price and his explanations of the work to be done, even mentioning a diagram he drew to illustrate the transmission's operation. This positive review highlights Dale's diagnostic skills, particularly in resolving complex issues that even a dealership couldn't fix, as well as his communicative approach with customers.

However, another customer shared a significantly different and negative experience. This individual brought their car in for electrical issues. The vehicle remained at Auto Care Inc. for a total of six weeks. While the customer acknowledged that their car was not drivable for the first four weeks due to their own surgery, the subsequent two weeks were marked by repeated assurances that the car would be ready "tomorrow afternoon," which ultimately did not materialize. Upon finally retrieving their vehicle, the customer was charged $800.00 for work that they believed was unrelated to the original electrical problem. They expressed uncertainty about whether the charged work was actually performed and strongly recommended that future customers obtain written estimates and agreed-upon turnaround times. This review raises concerns about the shop's communication, diagnostic accuracy for electrical issues, billing practices, and adherence to promised timelines.

Considering these contrasting experiences, it is challenging to definitively characterize the environment, services, and features of Auto Care Inc. However, we can attempt to infer some aspects based on the reviews and general expectations of an auto repair shop.

The environment at Auto Care Inc. likely includes a service bay area equipped to handle various automotive repairs, including transmission and electrical work. There would also be a customer reception or waiting area. The positive review mentions interaction with Dale, suggesting he might be the primary mechanic or owner who directly engages with customers. The negative review implies a lack of proactive communication and potentially a disorganized workflow, leading to extended repair times.

The services offered at Auto Care Inc. appear to include, at the very least:

Transmission Repair: As successfully performed for one customer, indicating a capability in diagnosing and fixing transmission issues, even complex ones.
Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair: While the outcome for one customer was negative, the fact that the car was brought in for electrical problems suggests this is a service they offer. However, their expertise and efficiency in this area may be questionable based on the review.
General Auto Repair and Maintenance: The ability to diagnose and repair a transmission issue implies a broader range of general automotive repair services might be available.
Customer Consultation: Dale's willingness to explain the work and draw diagrams suggests an effort to educate customers, at least in some instances.

However, the negative review highlights potential shortcomings in the scope or quality of their electrical services and the transparency of their billing practices.

The features of Auto Care Inc. might include:

Experienced Mechanic (Dale): The positive review praises Dale's ability to solve a complex transmission problem, suggesting a level of expertise in certain areas.
Direct Customer Interaction: The reviews indicate that customers interact directly with the mechanic (Dale), which can be beneficial for clear communication in some cases.

However, potential drawbacks based on the negative review include:

Inconsistent Communication: Failure to provide timely updates and accurate turnaround times.
Questionable Billing Practices: Charging for work not clearly related to the reported issue, without prior agreement.
Potential for Extended Repair Times: Repairs taking several weeks, even when factoring in periods of unavailability.
Lack of Written Estimates and Timelines: A practice that could lead to misunderstandings and unexpected charges.

The provided information does not contain any details about promotional offers from Auto Care Inc. It is possible that, as a smaller independent shop, they may not engage in extensive advertising or promotions. Their business might rely more on word-of-mouth referrals, which, as the contrasting reviews indicate, could be a mix of positive and negative experiences.

In conclusion, Auto Care Inc. in Minneapolis presents a mixed picture based on the limited customer reviews available. While one customer experienced successful and well-explained transmission repair, another reported significant issues with electrical service, communication, billing, and repair timelines. For local users considering Auto Care Inc., it would be prudent to heed the advice of the negative reviewer and ensure they receive detailed written estimates outlining the scope of work, the parts to be used, the estimated cost, and a clear timeline for completion before any repairs begin. The contrasting experiences suggest a potential inconsistency in service quality or communication depending on the nature of the repair or the individual circumstances. Therefore, proceeding with caution and thorough предварительное общение is advisable.

Auto Care Inc. Location

Auto Care Inc. Customer Reviews

Brought my car in for a transmission issue. Dale had it for a few weeks and I got it back ready to go. Even my dealership couldn’t figure it out after 3 visits. He was nice, up front with the price and explained what he was gonna do and why. He even drew a picture of how the transmission works, though I still have no idea what he was saying. I’m definitely going back with every auto issue.

Nov 11, 2023 · Mal

My car had electrical issues, so I brought it to Dale. It Sat there for six weeks. The first four weeks I couldn't drive because I had surgery. But the following two weeks it was always "going to be ready tomorrow afternoon". I finally went to pull it out if there. He charged $800.00 for doing work that was not related to my issues. I can't even be sure that he did what he said. If anyone decides to go there, it would be beneficial to get written estimates, and a turn around turn time in writing. I wanted to give it zero stars, but one star was the lowest that I could use.

Aug 16, 2023 · Mark Lindstrom

My brother arranged to have his daughter's car towed here to remove an ignition interlock so we could drive it back home about 600 miles away. We arrived about 8:30 am and had to have the work done by about noon to make it to a 12:30 pm appointment elsewhere. The battery was completely dead and had to be charged to do the removal. Dale was pleasant to work with and took good care of us. We left to take care of some other business and when we returned The car was ready, started and ran fine, and the fee was reasonable. Thank you Dale

Jun 25, 2022 · Edward Krall

Avoid this auto shop like the plague. I’ve never felt inclined to write a Google review in my entire life until my experience here. I took my car here for a simple swap out of old to new tires and was unable to drive my car off the lot after Dale was finished working on it. I went to pick up my car after hours after the shop had closed and my car would turn on but wouldn’t move. Dale (the owner) wasn’t at the shop for the next two days and I was unable to leave a message on the answering machine. After more than 48 hours of my car sitting on his lot unable to move, I used emergency roadside assistance to tow my car down the road to another shop. After checking out my car the outside shop informed me that my front right axle was broken and that was the cause of my car being unable to drive. I don’t know what happened when Dale worked on my car but the fact of the matter is I drove my car to his shop and it left with a broken axle. I spoke with Dale multiple times over the phone and in person about offering some sort of accommodation or partial reimbursement for the work he did on my car to which he refused. I then asked for my old tires to be put back on my car (they were still sitting outside his shop) and requested a refund and again he refused. He is hands down the most unprofessional businessman I’ve encountered and has little integrity. I beg anyone who reads this to please take their business elsewhere.

Jul 15, 2019 · Kevin Klee

I have been taking my older vehicles here for over 12 years. Dale has ALWAYS solved the problems and has done a great job troubleshooting the issues. I am a professional courier and drive for a living. If I have a car problem happen then I can't work. Auto Care inc is my FIRST go-to for my older delivery vehicles, because Dale the owner has been in business almost 35 years at the same location, is a 3rd generation mechanic (his Dad and Grandfather, as well as his son too) and if Dale can't accurately diagnose a car problem, the no one can. If you have a new car, you can take it anywhere including Auto Care inc, but if you have an older car then Dale is the best. His knowledge of vehicles and expertise spanning 4 decades has helped me keep my older cars going when most would have given up! In fact I tried to take my old delivery van to a different Tire company this summer for new tires on sale, and the other company couldn't even get a couple of the old lug nuts off, they were on so tight. After sitting there 8 hours, waiting, this other place tried to tell me they would have to MELT my lug nuts off! I thanked them for their time, bought the tires, threw them in the back of my van and drove to Auto Care and had Dale put them on instead! He has the experience and drilled the old lug nuts out, put fresh ones on and I was back on the road again. He is an independent small shop and very popular with all our neighborhood. Sometimes he's so popular he even has people waiting for him to open up! Now, if you bring him a rust-bucket older vehicle to repair, then you have to expect that there will probably be more than one problem with it. Dale will troubleshoot the main issue and warn you of other issues as well. His pricing is fair and he will be HONEST with you. He will tell you straight up what he can or can't fix. I was also there when one of these Trolls that gave him a bad review was there, and I can you that Dale was honest with the guy and tried to help the troll, but the troll wasn't having any of it and the troll seemed to be trying some sort of insurance scam, then the troll goes and writes a bad review? Ridiculous! Dale with Auto Care inc will be straight up with you and tell it like it is. He works on cars that no one else wants to, and will go the extra mile to help you out! He won't melt your lug nuts off though. He has to draw the line somewhere. Lol!! Great neighborhood auto repair shop!! Knows his stuff!!

Jul 30, 2022 · Laura W