Chet's Car Care Center

After two days of hearing nothing, I contacted the mechanic who stated the drive shaft was on the floor and he wasn't sure what was wrong. He had disassembled the drive train before anyone had even tried contacting me. The following week I contacted Matt who actually broke down over the phone screaming that his service manager had left without warning that day and I had put JB Weld? on my car.... He was actually screaming like a little girl, I was dumbfounded. The next day he called and said they had determined I needed a differential bracket (which they marked up 25% from the place they purchased it from) and the price for this was just over two thousand dollars. I ended up spending $2500 dollars at this pitiful excuse of an auto repair shop. When I went to get my vehicle from the lot the battery was dead (Matt says the mechanics listened to the radio for two weeks). The gas cover was open because they couldn't figure out how to pop the hood when they went to recharge the battery. I charged the battery at home after Matt gave me a "free" jump.

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My co-workers said that they charged me too much.

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I went in because I had an oil problem and they are trying to figure it out. I have to bring it back after 100 miles, but so far so good. I really like them. I find their price good. Some people think it is high but I don’t think it is high because you are not going to get the job if you don’t pay a mechanic who keeps staff on for a long time. It is a good place to work as people stay there a long time. This isn’t the cheapest place in the world to get my car fixed. I don’t mind paying if I know that the person who is doing the work is treated well and will do a good job with my car.

They took a considerable amount of time trying to solve the problem, which was greatly appreciated.    They also could have charged us much, MUCH more for labor but they were fair and honest.
The detail they provided was amazing, even though the problem was not resolved.   There was nothing more they could have done.    
Our biggest complaint was the lack of communication and responsiveness.   E-mail is preferred, but there did not seem to be much effort.   Needed to call all too often and stop by the shop.    
This review should have been written years ago, but finally got around to it as we are seeking a mechanic and are unsure about Chet's.    A great local business, but they need to work on communicating without being asked to do so.

They are local in my neighborhood and are established firm since forever. I will give them all A's, all the way down.

I've used Chet's off and on for minor repairs and services that I don't need the Auto Manufacturer service provider to complete. Oil changes, tire changes, etc. I sometimes go to them out of convenience, as they are close to my home.
This particular issue went very well. My air conditioning failed in the middle of the summer. I assumed it needed recharging, and I asked them to take a look. They told me that the electronic clutch that controls the on/off was broken and that since that clutch was part of the compressor, I needed an entire new unit running about $1,400 installed. I was charged $200 for the investigation, and no functioning repair occurred at that time.
I did not accept that answer, so after researching on the web, I found that the issue was common in my car, and that a simple fix of removing a shim would allow the clutch to engage, creating a fully functioning system. I worked with Eric by sharing the post and pictures, and we arranged for his best A/C guy to give it a try. They informed me that Chet's doesn't typically do something like this, but since I was aware of the potential for the fix not to work, they would try.
Another $200 later, my car's a/c has functioned perfectly through the heat of the summer. I appreciate that Eric took the time to understand the problem, get creative on a fix, and listen to my needs.
On a complete separate note, I suggest avoiding working with Paul. I have found that he tends to want to be heard rather than listen, and when the workload is high, his attitude and frustration is very apparent.

I've been using Chet's for years. I have never been less than happy with their professionalism, knowledge, efficiency and prices. Each time I have needed repairs or even just and oil change I have been able to get the car in and out quickly, and now that I have a history with the shop, I feel confident saying that their work is always excellent.

The folks at Chet's are very knowledgable and honest. They treat customers respectfully and do their best to educate their customers.

A different shop had worked on the air conditioner - they replaced a compressor and added a sealant to stop a leak in the evaporator. That was a year ago, and it did not work well.
I gave Chet's the above explanation and was advised that the sealant would potentially damage their $4000 vacuum system. Another shop had refused to do anything for that reason. But the service agent at Chet's contacted the manufacturer of their system, and learned that after a year the sealant 'should' not damage the vacuum system.
So they went ahead, and found the inlet and outlet pressures were too high and too close together. Vacuuming the system and recharging it fixed the problem.
I was appreciative that Chet's took a bit of a risk hooking up their expensive tool - there was no guarantee it would not be damaged in the process.

I told the technician that my battery cables needed to be replaced. When I purchased a new battery in January, the Walmart technician had told me that the positive cable would need to be replaced soon. The technician insisted on charging $50 for a diagnostic and estimate. It was excessive and unnecessary.

Great service.

They were very polite and professional, even when I called them a few times to check in and see how the work was going. They took the time to explain to me exactly what they were doing, and even told me some other issues they noticed while they were working on the truck. They didn't try to pull a fast one on me or sell me anything I didn't need, which I really appreciate. Very honest guys. I had to bring my puppy with when I dropped off the truck and they are obviously dog lovers! They offered him a treat and all the old guys hanging out in the lobby were just too funny. I can handle most repairs and maintenance myself, but I will definitely go here again if I have any more issues that are beyond me.

Each time I had an issue, they patiently listened while I struggled to explain what was wrong (and quot;My car sounds like it's growling at me when I make turns and brake.and quot;), suggested what it could be, gave an idea of what a price for that would be, and helped me schedule a time to bring the car in. Every time they give you a courtesy ride to and from the store (yes, they ask if you need a ride when they call to say everything's done), and they will call to get an okay on doing any work that will amount to more than $100. They're not pushy if you say no, either. The whole staff is very courteous and knowledgeable.

I had previously brought another car and a well-loved 1989 Vanagon camper to Chet's for several years and was well satisfied but I still wondered whether they were up to the challenge of such an old car. They were.The cheerful owner, Eric, explained that it was necessary to get at the heart of the leaking smelly heater system.. Thus, much of the cost would be technician labor time. He estimated the cost would be about $644. The specific cause of the leakage, as later explained to me, was due to a leaking heater system water valve. Additionally, they found some electrical corrosion problems and a leaking radiator cap. They were able to reset one of the two trouble lights, the oil change alert, but couldn't reset the other due to their no longer having a BMW tool for this antique car.
Parts had to be ordered so the car was at the shop for a week. I could have taken the car for the week but chose not to. Someone promptly called me when the car was ready and sent a driver to pick me up in 10 minutes. The final bill was $639. Thus the bill came in slightly under the estimate and included their resetting the trouble light for no charge. They also found and corrected electrical corrosion around the coolant temperature sensor.
I like the fact that their unique and sparkling clean waiting room has a free soda machine, fresh hot coffee and even tasty dog treats should you choose to bring your dog. I continue to be well satisfied with this family run business.

Chet's Car Care MEANS SERVICE! lovelovelovelove this auto shop. I am new to madison. Recently when I had new tires installed on my 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander, I was told that I would need to have my front brakes looked at w/i a few months. Ugh#%*and As a single female in a new city, (I came here from a small town in Northern WI) I dreaded the 'expected' big$$$$$$ 'rip off ' I'd probably have to swallow just to drive safely. Everything changed when I joined Angie's List and found Chet's Car Care. My final bill was less than my estimate by almost $100, I also got a AAA discount on labor/parts I did not know about/expect.....PLUS.....they have a DEDICATED Shuttle Van to take you to work/home and wlll pick you up when the work is complete. This is an honest company with loads of intregity. Chet's employees are talented, skilled professionals who take pride in the work they do. Everything about this experience was exceptional - even the front office, decorated with vintage Coca-Cola antiques! As long as I am in Madison, this will be my go to place for all things auto!

They are very friendly and communicative. They went out of their way to learn our names. They recognized us when we came back to pick up the cars. I thought it was very personalized service. They got back to us very quickly. They were very professional.

I have a 94' Tahoe truck and they have been doing a great job keeping it running and preventing us from having to buy a new car.

I dropped off the van shortly after they opened at 7am. This was the first time that I had to leave the minivan over night. Towards the end of the day, a rep called to ask if it could be left over night as the work was taking longer and they would have to reassemble the car from that point if I needed it. All other repairs (A/C compressor, water pump replacement) only took one business working day. Chet's provides a van rider to your work and a pickup at the end of the day. Very professional desk staff. All but once was I called when the car repair was completed. Reception area is well decorated, has free coffee and pop and usually has several old timers conversing. I've always had good service from them. I frequent them because they are in my neighborhood having previously only taken my car to the dealer which at the time was convenient.

My brakes suddenly starting grinding real bad. I called my regular mechanic and they had a one week wait time (as usual). Chet's was able to get me in the next day. Dropped the car off that night. Received a phone call at 9 am the next morning to tell me the problem and the cost of the repair. They said my year car had two types of rotors based on vin number, and that mine was the more expensive one. I gave them the ok and then checked online (NAPA) to verify their expensive rotor story. It checked out and they were truthful. They called again at 1:30pm to state the car was ready at the price they had quoted me. I feel it's hard to find auto mechanics that I can trust. Chet's seems very trustworthy. They were very courteous, have a big clean shop, easy location, plenty of parking, and have been around since 1968. I think I have found my new auto mechanic.