Meineke Car Care Center

Despite trying everything to avoid leaving a negative review (because I hate being this person), I have unfortunately decided to share my experience, warn future customers, and seek proper compensation for Meineke's negligence. I dropped my car off at Meineke on 10/7 for a diagnosis. They replaced the alternator and belt drive tensioner, and I picked it up on 10/10. When I got home, I found 4 car parts lying on the floorboard of the passenger side (see video). I returned on 10/11 to have them put the parts back in place. When I arrived, the manager tried to slide me a $20 bill across the counter… I asked him to just put the parts back in my car and discuss compensation afterward. The manager tried to reinstall the parts, but after several minutes, he brought the mechanic over to help. We settled on an $85 refund, the approximate cost of a complimentary oil change (that I declined due to the complete lack of trust at that point). I accepted the $85 refund and left. However, just 3 miles down the road, my car broke down. I immediately called Meineke for help since I was still so close to their shop and stuck in the middle of Airport Road. A Meineke manager assured me someone was on the way multiple times, but it took over TWO HOURS before a Meineke mechanic arrived. When he did, he said, “I’m sorry I would have come sooner, but I just found out about this a few minutes ago." He jumped my car using the auxiliary battery under the passenger seat to get it out of the road and into a parking lot. I had my car towed to a different shop, where they confirmed that my fuse box had blown. This fuse box, which required replacement, is located on the passenger side of my car (where Meineke had to reinstall the parts they left in my car and also where they jumped the battery.) I had to pay an additional $819 for this new repair just to get the car to turn on so the new auto shop could diagnose any further damage. The most frustrating part? The Meineke manager initially agreed to refund me in full and reimburse me for the tow. But days later, they backtracked and said their supervisor could only approve $182 (for labor and the tow) out of the $983 I originally paid. Instead of dragging this out, I requested that Meineke do the right thing by refunding me in full and covering the tow expenses so I could put that money towards the fuse box that they very likely damaged. Unfortunately, they have refused to make things right. I would not recommend Meineke in Arden to anyone. Save yourself the stress and choose a shop that stands by their work, treats customers fairly, and provides appropriate compensation when errors are made.

Oct 21, 2024 · Shannon Rountree

They were so nice and squeezed me in when I needed my brake pads looked at. Very nice staff and was upfront and explained everything. I am definitely going back for all my truck needs. Jason was so nice and explained everything and made sure I knew what was going on and everything. I am so grateful for them!

Jan 09, 2025 · Kayla Valladares

My former mechanic shop closed & I needed an annual state inspection. I looked up a few near me and reviews; decided on Meineke. Jason was pleasant and helpful. I waited barely 10 minutes. Left my gloves there and got a call telling me, which I was grateful Jason took the time to do. The place was busy!

Jan 22, 2025 · Lisa Casperson

What an excellent experience! The workers were very helpful and communicative, and they clearly work hard to make sure they do a thorough and detailed job. I've never been to a mechanic that was so helpful and sent digital updates on everything going on with my car, both good things and things that need fixed and explanations why. Thanks for the positive experience Meineke mechanics!

Oct 16, 2024 · Madi Lapp

apologies to the person who heard me cry over the phone - life is stressful and its hard to find reliable car care professionals for the necessary evil (& luxury) that are cars. Phenomenal customer care, personable people behind the counter, providing knowledgeable feedback (with solutions!) in times of expensive crisis. Love u guys.

Jan 15, 2025 · Kim Jo

This is probably the second time I ever feel I have to use google reviews. I used to have a local meineke in my hometown I was a loyal customer to for 3 years, so when I moved to Asheville I decided to give my patronage to another car care center under the same brand. The first time I scheduled with them I really enjoyed the casual atmosphere and approach and they gave me quite the stellar service, dude at the front during this process was really chill and cool. However for the last few 3 weeks I've been trying to schedule to get a minor repair and an inspection and it's been hell. I call, they tell me no need for appointment because they're open all week, when I arrive a guy at the front says im supposed to schedule online, so I do, then the next day I get a text saying my appointment got cancelled, call to reschedule, they don't answer all day, when they finally do I schedule again, when I go then another guy tells me I scheduled with the wrong shop even though my call history shows I called this specific shop (the systems "does that" sometimes apparently). At some point they tell me a machine they need is broken come back tomorrow, but then I do and it's still broken. So I finally decided to give up and try somewhere else. Im only reviewing because im seriously disillusioned and feel really sour at not wanting to come near a meineke anymore after it being my go-to shop for so long :/ Straight up disheartening. EDIT: Well they did reach out, gave me a spot, solved the issue and even gave me some complimentary service free of charge. I'll keep coming because I've always appreciated Meineke's general staff and quality of work and it's just what I'm used to. I'd just advise some more coordination and communication on the phone/appointment side of things, but repairs and services remain excellent.

Apr 11, 2025 · Adolfo Jimenez

I came to Meineke for a battery replacement. The proper battery was in stock and they were able to accommodate me right away, based on my pre-arranged appointment. The staff was courteous and professional; the service was provided timely and accurately.

May 14, 2025 · Louis Biron

Swapped alternator & didn’t put half the bolts back into the front end. My bumper has a 3-4 inch play now. I wonder what else they didn’t do right. . .

Apr 01, 2025 · PJ Tanner

Amazing service!!! They were so accommodating and helpful. I went last minute for help installing a new battery and was in and out quickly. Would recommend and will definitely come back for other services!

Apr 26, 2025 · Grace Turner