Chicago Auto Repair

My first visit here was perhaps 7 months ago, at a daughter's recommendation, to install a needed new air conditioning unit in my vehicle - no small thing. They did a fine job and the price wasn't anywhere near as bad as one I'd been quoted at the shop that I'd been using for a decade. Made me a new customer. Earlier this week a different job was done efficiently and courteously at a reasonable price. I always drop my car off the night before and they always get it done the next day, finding that more reasonable than sashaying in and saying I want this done now and fast. Works for me.

I have been going to Norwood Auto Service for years. The owner, once you get to know him, is actually a really funny guy and he's got two sons that are great. Don't pass up on the offer to give you a ride to/from home if you need one, the kids usually do that and they are great young men. Other than that, it's a neighborhood place. The owner does his best, but no one's perfect. My husband thinks they're expensive, so you can quote around first, they don't mind. The owner has fixed a whole lot of problems other shops didn't because they don't know which parts MUST be oem to work well. This shop does and will tell you. So, for that tricky problem that keeps recurring where other shops say "oh, well", this shop may know the solution and get it fixed right so it works for the intended life of the part. And yes, they do do small talk. I have found if you tell a small joke, it's a real ice breaker so bring your dumb jokes.

I went in for an oil change around 9:30 on a Wednesday. I was told the wait would be 30 minutes, and that the work would take 20 minutes. 50 minutes after I dropped off my keys, my car was done. No up-sell, no overcharges, no problems. I didn't think the service was abrasive or rude--don't expect a lot of small talk.

I've been taking cars to Norwood for years. They've always been fair and honest and they back up their work. It's a small operation and at times you have to be patient but if they know you're in a hurry they'll take care of you. I often leave a car there on my way to the train before they open - and pick it up after they close, going back on the weekend to pay. Several times I went in with problems and rather than just doing it and charging me, they checked to see if it was warranty work that should be done by the dealer - for free.